HISTORY 


UNITED  BROTHERS&FRIENDSHII 


Sisters  of  the  Mysterious  Ten. 


Iff   TWO    PARTS. 


A    NEGRO    ORDER. 


Organized  August  1,  1861,  in  the  City  of  Louisville,  Ky. 


CONTAINING   PHOTOS,  SKETCHES,*  AND  ^NA^AJ-IVES   OF  THE   LIVES 

OF    ITS 


-AY 

W.   H.   GIBSON,   SR. 


LOUISVILLE,    KY. 

I'RINTED    BY    THE    BRADLEY    &   GILBERT    COMPANY. 
I897. 


04 


(COPYRIGHTED,  1897.) 


REV.  MARSHALL  W.  TAYLOR, 

FOUNDER. 


W.   N.  HAZELTON, 

FOUNDER. 


[Taken  from  an  old  daguerreotype.] 


PREFACE. 


Before  giving  a  sketch  of  this  history,  we  shall  preface 
it  with  reasons  for  performing  the  task,  which  will  be  of 
interest  to  all  of  those  who  wish  to  learn  of  its  origin, 
and  of  those  persons  who  were  the  originators.  We  be 
lieve  that  this  can  be  accomplished  more  to  the  satisfac 
tion  of  the  impartial  reader  when  written  by  one  who 
has  taken  an  active  part  in  nearly  all  of  its  deliberations 
for  more  than  thirty  years.  For  be  it  known  to  all 
readers  of  history  that  more  reliance  is  placed  upon 
those  who  were  present  and  eye-witnesses  to  a  scene 
than  to  those  who  depend  on  sketches  of  hearsay  and 
from  disinterested  parties ;  often  the  dates  are  conflict 
ing  and  misleading  views  are  given,  causing  the  authen 
ticity  of  the  volume  to  be  in  doubt.  But  the  principal 
and  greatest  reason  for  this  historical  sketch  should  be 
to  place  before  the  world  the  history  of  a  Negro  organ 
ization  whose  growth  has  been  unprecedented,  number 
ing  its  membership  by  thousands,  its  secret  signs,  em 
blems,  and  outfits  of  all  grades,  mostly  original. 

Starting  out  as  a  local  benevolent  society,  in  the  year 
of  our  Lord  one  thousand  eight  hundred  and  sixty-one, 
a  few  young  men,  free  and  slave,  being  desirous  of  im 
proving  their  condition,  met  in  a  private  residence  in 
the  city  of  Louisville,  Kentucky,  and  there  organized 

M125433 


IV  PREFACE. 

the  benevolent  society  known  as  the  United  Brothers 
of  Friendship.  The  society  grew  rapidly  and  many  were 
added  to  its  membership.  Just  at  this  time  the  Civil 
War  had  begun.  They  had  hardly  been  organized  two 
years  before  the  negro  was  called  to  take  up  arms  in 
defense  of  his  country  by  the  immortal  Abraham  Lin 
coln.  "To  Arms!  To  Arms!"  was  the  cry — many  of 
its  members  responded  to  the  call — the  membership  was 
diminished,  but  enough  remained  to  keep  the  society  in 
existence  until  the  close  of  the  war,  when  a  new  epoch 
was  begun. 

And  here  let  me  say,  while  we  have  no  discussion  in 
our  ranks  about  our  legality  as  an  order,  or  from  whom 
we  obtained  our  charter,  or  of  our  right  to  assemble  in 
State  or  National  Grand  bodies  on  account  of  our  color, 
we  affirm  that  none  of  these  questions  disturb  us,  for  we 
have  accepted  the  badge  of  distinction,  and  therefore 
are  not  elbowing  our  way  into  any  white  organization  ; 
we  claim  to  be  purely  Negroes  and  of  Negro  origin. 

But  there  is  one  question  upon  which  we  have  had 
some  discussion,  and  we  propose  to  settle  it  in  this  sketch 
in  a  plain  and  impartial  manner:  The  question  in  regard 
to  who  were  the  original  organizers  and  the  fathers  of 
the  Order  as  it  is  generally  applied.  This,  to  our  mind, 
is  an  important  question,  and  ought  to  be  answered 
truthfully,  and  let  it  be  known  to  the  present  and  future 
generations  who  were  the  fathers  of  the  Great  Negro 
Order. 

By  way  of  illustration,  it  is  said  that  Columbus  dis 
covered  America,  but  he  was  not  called  the  father  of 


PREFACE.  V 

his  country  because  of  discovery.  It  is  just  now  at  a 
period  of  four  hundred  years  that  his  right  of  discovery 
has  been  acknowledged  by  the  civilized  world.  Wash 
ington,  the  father  of  his  country,  acquired  the  title  from 
the  victories  achieved  over  the  enemies  of  the  country, 
thereby  making  it  possible  for  a  State  and  National 
Government,  with  a  constitution  acknowledging  the 
freedom  and  equality  of  mankind.  For  these  things  he 
was  called  by  those  who  loved  him  and  was  with  him 
in  the  struggle  for  freedom,  ' '  The  father  of  his  country. ' ' 

In  every  department  of  life,  where  genius,  science, 
and  other  great  achievements  are  obtained,  there  are 
those  who  are  ready  to  dispute  with  others  their  right 
to  their  own  inventive  genius,  and  were  it  not  for  the 
patent  laws  of  our  country  the  labor  and  time  spent 
and  the  royalty  due  them  would  be  lost  to  the  proper 
and  legal  inventors. 

Our  object  shall  be  to  divide  this  history  into  tw6 
epochs.  The  first  giving  the  names  of  those  organiz 
ing  the  benevolent  society,  and  secondly  of  those  who 
gave  it  a  State  and  National  existence — a  grand  and 
noble  secret  order,  composed  of  male  and  female  mem 
bers.  We  shall  not  detract  from  those  names  who  ap 
pear  conspicuous  in  the  organization  of  the  first  epoch 
of  benevolence,  but  shall  endeavor  to  give  them  credit 
for  the  noble  work  performed  up  to  the  second  epoch. 
At  the  same  time  we  shall  give  credit  to  those  of  the 
second  epoch  who  organized  a  secret  order,  laid  the 
foundation  for  statehood  and  National  confederation, 
which  has  been  successfully  administered  by  the  various 


VI  PREFACE. 

State  and  National  officers.  There  should  be  no  need 
for  jealousies  and  bickerings,  for  there  are  but  few  in 
the  ranks  that  were  in  it  thirty-six  years  ago ;  hence  the 
old  men  have  passed  away,  the  young  men  become 
their  successors,  and  what  few  are  left  should  be  re 
vered  by  the  younger  men,  their  deeds  should  be 
forever  remembered,  and  in  death  they  should  be  ten 
derly  deposited  in  the  tomb  to  await  the  resurrection 
morn. 

It  is  the  pride  of  the  Anglo-Saxon  race  to  repeat  and 
commemorate  the  deeds  of  their  fathers — their  biogra 
phies  are  published  that  the  world  may  know  that  such 
individuals  lived  and  benefited  mankind.  We  are  grati 
fied  when  we  read  the  history  of  several  Negro  orders 
and  find  them  presenting  the  names  of  their  founders 
and  the  good  deeds  they  have  accomplished  for  hu 
manity. 

We  know  that  the  Order  of  the  United  Brothers  of 
Friendship  and  Sisters  of  the  Mysterious  Ten  will  join 
heartily  in  giving  credit  and  honor  to  whom  honor  is 
due. 


ORDER 

OF    THE 

UNITED  BROTHERS  OF  FRIENDSHIP, 

Organized  August  1,  1861. 


FIRST    EPOCH. 


CHAPTER    I. 

By  the  combined  efforts  of  Marshall  Taylor,  Wm.  N. 
Hazelton,  Charles  B.  Morgan,  Charles  Coats,  Wm.  Law- 
son,  Wm.  Anderson,  Wallace  Jones,  Ben  Carter,  and  others, 
the  Benevolent  Society  of  the  United  Brothers  of  Friendship 
was  organized,  in  the  city  of  Louisville,  Ky.  Its  aim  and 
object  is  set  forth  in  the  following  preamble: 

"We  invite  you,  one  and  all,  that  are  friends  of  human 
ity — you  that  wish  to  advance  Benevolence  and  Christian 
ity — to  come  and  unite  with  us  in  our  effort  to  create  a 
system  of  harmony  and  friendship;  not  the  empty  title  of 
friends,  but  of  'friends  in  need  and  friends  in  deed,'  for 
with  the  help  of  God  we  never  intend  to  cease  our  efforts  in 
this  good  cause  until  death  intervenes  or  our  great  object  of 
Friendship  is  accomplished." 

The  society  grew  rapidly  among  the  young  men  for  two 
years,  though  it  came  into  existence  coeval  with  the  "Re 
bellion  "  of  the  Southern  States  against  the  Government  of 
the  United  States.  Here  their  progress  was  interrupted  by 


UNITED    BROTHERS    OF    FRIENDSHIP. 

a  call  to  arms.  There  were  many  patriotic  hearts  beating 
for  freedom,  and  from  this  society  a  large  number  responded 
by  enlisting  in  the  United  States  Army.  The  ranks  of  the 
society  were  depleted  by  this  call  and  enlistment,  but  a  rem 
nant  was  left  to  perpetuate  the  United  Brothers  of  Friend 
ship. 

The  regular  order  of  business  was  conducted  by  those 
officers  who  remained,  the  sick  were  ministered  to,  the  dead 
were  buried,  and  correspondence  was  kept  up  with  the  sol 
dier,  boys. 

The  war  was  closed  in  1865,  "Peace  was  declared"  many 
returned  home,  others  paid  for  our  liberties  with  their  blood, 
their  bodies  remaining  on  the  battle-fields  and  filling  a  soldier's 
grave;  others  located  in  different  States  and  Territories  and 
never  returned.  The  return  of  the  soldier  boys  was  a  joyful 
meeting;  receptions  and  barbecues;  their  mothers,  wives, 
and  families  vied  with  each  other  in  the  Grand  Jubilee. 

At  the  stated  meetings  of  the  society  many  renewed  their 
membership,  but  things  had  changed;  the  organization  began 
with  free  and  slave  members,  now  all  were  free  men.  After 
consultation  it  was  found  necessary  to  inaugurate  a  new  sys 
tem  of  management.  There  were  some  complications  that 
required  mature  consideration.  At  this  juncture  a  leader 
was  wanted.  Marshall  Taylor,  George  Taylor,  Asbury  Tay 
lor,  Charles  Coats,  Wm.  Anderson.  Wallace  Jones,  Wm.  N. 
Hazelton,  and  Ben  Carter  were  pupils  of  W.  H.  Gibson, 
Sr.  He  taught  day  and  night  school  at  Quinn  Chapel  (A. 
M.  E.  Church).  These  young  men,  who  were  members  of 
this  society,  prevailed  on  Bro.  Gibson  to  join  them,  as  he 
had  more  experience  in  society  work  than  any  of  them. 
Finally  he  accepted  the  invitation  and  became  a  member. 
He  was  made  Secretary.  All  the  books  and  papers  were 


FIRST    KPOCH.  9 

turned  over  to  him  for  adjustment.  For  three  weeks  or  more 
he  was  engaged  in  this  work,  for  the  books  were  considerably 
out  of  balance,  there  being  a  large  amount  of  back  dues  and 
a  number  of  promissory  notes  uncollected.  He  recommended 
that  the  features  of  the  Order  be  changed,  and  that  it  be 
chartered  by  the  Legislature.  He  wrote  the  charter  himself, 
stating  about  what  they  wanted.  The  brethren  appointed  a 
committee,  a  lawyer  revised,  prepared,  and  presented  it  to 
the  Legislature,  and  a  charter  was  granted  February  7,  1868. 

CHARTER. 

INSTITUTED    AUGUST    I,    1 86 1. 

SECTION  i.  That  William  W.  Jones,  William  H.  Lawson, 
William  N.  Hazelton,  Charles  Coats,  and  William  Ander 
son,  and  their  associates,  be,  and  they  are  hereby  created,  a 
body  politic  and  corporate,  by  the  name  and  style  of  the 
Grand  Lodge  of  the  United  Brothers  of  Friendship,  of  the 
State  of  Kentucky;  and  they,  with  their  associates  and  suc 
cessors,  shall  so  continue,  and  have  perpetual  succession  ; 
and  by  that  name  are  hereby  made  capable  in  law,  as  natural 
persons,  to  sue  and  be  sued,  to  plead  and  be  impleaded,  to 
contract  and  be  contracted  with,  to  answer  and  be  answered 
in  all  courts  of  law  and  equity  in  this  Commonwealth  and 
elsewhere ;  to  make,  have,  and  use  a  common  seal,  and  the 
same  to  break,  alter,  or  amend  at  pleasure.  They  may  make 
and  ordain  such  regulations  and  by-laws,  for  their  govern 
ment,  as  from  time  to  time  they  may  deem  proper,  and  may 
change  and  renew  the  same  at  pleasure ;  Provided,  they  be 
not  in  contravention  of  the  Constitution  of  the  United  States 
or  of  the  Commonwealth  of  Kentucky. 

SEC.  2.  Said  corporation  shall  have  the  right  to  purchase 
and  hold  a  suitable  lot  or  lots  in  the  city  of  Louisville,  or 
elsewhere  in  this  Commonwealth  ;  to  erect  such  buildings  as 
may  be  wanted  for  the  use  of  the  Grand  Lodge  and  such 
subordinate  lodges  of  the  United  Brothers  of  Friendship  as 


10  UNITED    BROTHERS    OF    FRIENDSHIP. 

are  now  in  existence,  or  may  be  hereafter  created  in  said  city 
or  elsewhere  in  the  limits  of  said  Commonwealth. 

SEC.  3.  Said  corporation  shall  have  power  to  raise  money, 
by  subscription  or  borrowing,  to  any  amount  not  exceeding 
thirty  thousand  dollars,  and  lay  the  same  out  as  specified  in 
section  two. 

SEC.  4.  Said  corporation  shall  have  power  to  sell  or  other 
wise  dispose  of  the  ground  acquired  by  virtue  of  this  act,  or 
any  portion  thereof,  provided  they  deem  the  same  neces 
sary. 

SEC.  5.  Within  thirty  days  after  the  passage  of  this  act, 
the  corporators  herein  named,  or  a  majority  of  them,  shall 
call  a  meeting,  at  a  convenient  time  and  place,  in  the  city  of 
Louisville,  and  give  due  notice  thereof  to  the  residue,  and 
at  such  meeting  shall  adopt  such  permanent  regulations  as 
the  majority  may  deem  proper. 

SEC.  6.  Said  Grand  Lodge  shall  not  have  or  execute  any 
power  or  privilege  not  herein  expressly  granted ;  and  the 
Legislature  reserves  the  right  to  amend,  modify,  or  repeal 
this  act;  but  the  repeal  shall  not  dispossess  the  said  Grand 
Lodge  of  the  property  and  effects  acquired  and  held  under 
this  charter. 

SEC.  7.  Each  and  every  subordinate  lodge  of  the  United 
Brothers  of  Friendship  now  organized,  or  which  may  here 
after  be  organized,  under  the  jurisdiction  of  the  Grand 
Lodge,  shall  be  a  body  politic  and  corporate,  by  the  name 
and  style  stated  in  the  charter  granted  to  them  by  the  said 
Grand  Lodge,  and  shall  be  vested  by  all  the  powers  and 
privileges  given  by  this  act  to  the  said  Grand  Lodge,  not  in 
consistent  with  said  charter,  and  subject  to  like  limitations 
and  restriction,  so  long  as  they  continue  to  hold  a  regular 
and  unforfeited  charter  from  said  Grand  Lodge. 

SEC.  8.  It  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  corporators  herein 
named,  and  their  associates,  to  appoint  a  Board  of  Managers, 
consisting  of  five  members  of  the  Grand  Lodge,  whose  duty 
it  shall  be  to  take  charge  of  the  fiscal  concerns  of  said  cor 
poration,  a  majority  of  whom  shall  constitute  a  quorum  to  do 
business. 

Approved  February  7,  1868. 


FIRST    EPOCH.  II 

The  charter  having  been  obtained,  it  was  necessary  to 
organize  lodges  under  it,  Bro.  Gibson  being  authorized  to 
correspond  with  societies  and  individuals  for  that  purpose. 
It  will  be  noticed  that  it  was  three  years  before  the  charter 
was  operative,  but  during  the 'interval  correspondence  was 
opened  with  parties  desirous  of  being  organized  under  it, 
and  favorable  responses  received. 

The  name  "United  Brothers  of  Friendship"  was  adopted 
by  the  Benevolent  Society  of  Louisville,  Ky.  It  may  be 
proper  here  to  state  that  many  societies  and  organizations 
in  this  and  in  other  States  were  known  by  this  name,  or  a 
portion  of  it,  at  least.  Some  were  called  the  Friendship 
Benevolent,  some  Friendship  Brothers,  others  United  Broth 
ers,  United  Fellows,  Church  of  the  United  Brothers,  etc., 
but  none  of  them  had  any  connection  whatever  with  the 
United  Brothers  of  Friendship.  Whenever  we  heard  of  a 
society  by  this  name  we  opened  up  correspondence,  and 
also  with  societies  of  different  names,  proposing  to  them  a 
united  body  under  this  charter.  Our  efforts  were  crowned 
with  success  at  the  expiration  of  three  years,  and  we  were 
enabled  to  call  a  State  convention  and  organize  a  State  Grand 
Lodge  April  10,  1871. 

With  this  correspondence  closed  the  first  epoch  with  a 
grand  future  looming  up  before  us — the  inauguration  of  an 
incorporate  body — the  foundation  of  a  State  and  National 
confederation  of  lodges,  instead  of  a  local  society — the  uni 
fication  of  a  grand  and  noble  order  of  Negro  representatives, 
hailing  from  every  section  of  this  nation. 

BIOGRAPHICAL. 

MARSHALL  TAYLOR  was  born  a  slave  in  Lexington,  Ky. 
There  were  three  brothers,  Marshall,  George,  and  Asbury. 


12  UNITED    BROTHERS    OF    FRIENDSHIP. 

They  attended  my  school,  and  were  studious  and  naturally 
given  to  literary  pursuits.  Marshall  attached  himself  to  the 
Methodist  Episcopal  Church  in  his  early  youth.  He  studied 
for  the  ministry,  and  became  a  prominent  minister  in  that 
denomination.  His  brother,  George,  was  quite  a  society  man 
also,  his  labor  being  devoted  to  the  Masonic  fraternity,  and 
by  his  zeal  and  proficiency  he  passed  through  all  the  degrees, 
was  elected  Grand  Master  of  the  State  of  Kentucky,  served 
as  Grand  Commander  of  the  Sir  Knights,  and  also  a  mem 
ber  of  the  Consistory.  Asbury  was  rather  eccentric,  but  of  a 
religious  frame  of  mind.  He  was  of  the  Evangelist  view, 
and  was  not  particularly  connected  with  any  denomination. 
He  traveled  extensively  through  the  North  and  the  Canadas, 
preaching,  lecturing,  writing,  and  composing  hymns  and 
poems.  He  is  yet  alive.  Marshall  was  offered  for  the  office 
of  Bishop  at  the  General  Conference  that  met  in  Cincinnati, 
().,  1 8 — ,  but  he  was  defeated,  the  white  brethren  refusing 
to  vote  for  a  colored  Bishop,  deeming  it  unnecessary  in  their 
connection  at  this  time.  He  was  elected,  at  that  conference, 
editor  of  the  Southwestern  Advocate,  printed  at  New  Or 
leans.  The  paper  was  very  ably  edited  by  him  for  several 
years,  until  his  health  failed,  when  he  removed  to  Indianap 
olis,  and  died  there  in  1889.  His  remains  were  brought  to 
Louisville  for  interment.  We  witnessed  his  funeral.  He  had 
no  affiliation  with  the  Order,  having  left  it  a  few  years  after 
it  was  organized.  I  conversed  with  him  after  we  became  a 
National  body,  and  he  said  that  his  church  relations  were  so 
urgent  that  he  could  not  devote  his  time  to  the  Order,  but 
saying  that  we  had  his  best  wishes  for  its  success.  George 
died  a  few  years  later.  He  was  an  Episcopalian,  and  was 
buried  with  the  honors  of  Masonry  and  the  funeral  rites  of 
that  church. 


FIRST    EPOCH.  13 

WM.  N.  HAZELTON  was  freeborn  in  Baltimore,  Md., 
brought  to  Kentucky  by  his  uncle,  David  Wells,  and  edu 
cated.  We  were  personally  acquainted  with  him.  He  was 
of  a  quiet  temperament,  but  very  decisive  in  his  dealings 
with  his  fellow-men  ;  he  was  also  a  Christian,  and  his  chief 
desire  was  to  be  doing  something;  his  heart  seemed  to  be 
centered  on  the  society,  and  how  he  could  best  enhance  its 
usefulness.  He  died  in  1869,  before  the  charter  became 
operative.  His  funeral  was  largely  attended  by  the  U.  B.  F. 

CHARLES  COATS  was  born  a  slave.  He  was  of  a  peculiar 
temperament.  He  was  what  we  term  a  zealous  Christian, 
very  active  and  out-spoken  in  his  views  on  any  subject.  He 
was  a  faithful  attendant  to  the  sick,  and  for  many  years  our 
Chaplain.  His  prayers  around  the  sick  bed  of  the  brethren 
were  fervent  and  consoling.  He  was  one  of  the  charter 
members  who  lived  to  see  the  second  epoch  of  the  society, 
and  participated  in  the  organization  of  the  State  Grand 
Lodge  under  the  charter. 

W.  H.  LAWSON,  freeborn,  in  Maysville,  Ky. ,  is  the  only 
surviving  charter  member  and  organizer.  His  services  to 
the  Order  have  been  invaluable.  He  has  figured  in  all  of 
the  departments  of  the  Order.  He  has  codified  our  laws, 
improved  our  secret  work,  formulated  odes  and  various 
services,  has  been  the  orginator  of  many  signs  and  emblems, 
and  was  our  chief  regalia  manufacturer  and  banner-maker  for 
many  years.  He  has  lived  to  fill  all  the  important  offices 
in  the  Order;  also  served  in  the  army,  and  has  an  honor 
able  discharge. 

WALLACE  JONES  was  a  faithful  and  zealous  member  of  the 
society.  He  did  not  live  to  see  his  desires  accomplished  as 
a  charter  member.  He  was  afflicted  with  a  lingering  disease, 
terminating  in  death,  dying  at  the  residence  of  his  former 


14  UNITED    BROTHERS    OF    FRIENDSHIP. 

master,  on  Fourth  Avenue.  The  funeral  services  were  per 
formed  on  a  Sunday  afternoon,  the  society  turning  out  in  its 
full  strength.  A  large  concourse  of  people  witnessed  them. 
WM.  ANDERSON  was  also  an  active  member  in  the  early 
stages  of  the  society,  and  his  name  is  recorded  with  the 
charter  members ;  but  he  became  inactive  before  the  organ 
ization  under  the  charter,  and  he  never  returned.  He  died 
out  of  our  ranks. 


SECOND    EPOCH. 


CHAPTER  II. 

FORMATION    OF    A    STATE    GRAND    LODGE. 

Pursuant  to  a  call,  the  United  Brothers  of  Friendship 
assembled  in  Quinn  Chapel  (A.  M.  E.  Church),  April  10, 
1871,  at  2  o'clock  P.  M. 

Wm.  H.  Gibson,  Sr. ,  was  elected  Chairman,  pro  tern., 
and  H.  P.  Gains,  Secretary,  pro  tern. 

Prayer  by  Rev.  Greenup  Cooper. 

The  Committee  on  Credentials  appointed  and  reported 
the  following  representatives:  Bros.  Oliver  Chambers,  Alex. 
Williams,  H.  P.  Gains,  Lexington,  Ky. ;  Richard  Courtney, 
Porter  Filly,  Simpsonville,  Ky. ;  W.  H.  Russell,  H.  J. 
Graves,  Henry  Jones,  Shelbyville,  Ky.  ;  Wm.  H.  Gibson, 
Sr.,  M.  J.  Davis,  J.  H.  Taylor,  Wm.  Smith,  Charles  Coats, 
J.  T.  Hudson,  W.  T.  Tallefaro,  Louisville,  Ky.  ;  N.  B.  Stone, 
Geo.  Russell,  Bloomfield,  Ky. ;  Sandford  Thomas,  Greenup 
Cooper,  New  Castle,  Ky. ;  B.  F.  Crampton,  W.  T.  Dixon, 
Stradford  Straus,  Henry  Mars,  John  Bryant,  Frankfort,  Ky. 

Independent  Sons  of  Honor — Moses  Yancy,  George  Buck- 
ner,  Jas.  Graves,  Wm.  Dorsey,  Wm.  Smith. 

United  Fellows— W.  H.  Lawson. 

The  Committee  on  Permanent  Organization  reported  the 
following:  Wm.  H.  Gibson,  Sr. ,  President;  B.  F.  Cramp- 
ton,  Vice  President;  H.  P.  Gains,  Secretary;  W.  T.  Tal 
lefaro,  Assistant  Secretary;  T.  S.  Baxter,  Treasurer;  Geo. 
F.  Buckner,  Sergeant-at-arms;  W.  H.  Lawson,  Secretary  of 
Committee. 


1 6  UNITED    BROTHERS    OE    FRIENDSHIP. 

The  Convention  being  organized  permanently,  the  busi 
ness  was  stated  by  the  Chairman,  committees  were  appointed, 
and  the  wheels  of  progress  put  in  motion  aside  from  such 
business  incident  to  such  assemblies.  The  charter  was  read. 
The  articles  of  agreement  were  presented  by  the  committee. 

ARTICLE  i.  Resolved,  That  all  Benevolent  Societies  form 
ing  a  union  under  the  Grand  Lodge  of  the  United  Brothers 
of  Friendship  shall  maintain  all  the  rights  originally  held  by 
them  under  their  subordinate  constitutions,  except  such  as 
may  be  delegated  through  their  representatives. 

ART.  2.  Resolved,  That  an  equality  of  representatives 
shall  be  granted  to  all  subordinate  lodges  who  may,  during 
this  convention,  or  hereafter,  sign  the  articles  of  agreement 
or  confederation. 

ART.  3.  Resolved,  That  each  lodge  shall  sign  the  Grand 
Lodge  Constitution,  otherwise  they  will  not  be  considered  as 
forming  a  part  of  this  union. 

ART.  4.  Resolved,  That  each  subordinate  lodge  will  use 
its  best  exertions  towards  having  our  Order  introduced  in  the 
adjacent  counties  throughout  the  State. 

ART.  5.  Resolved,  That  these  articles  of  agreement  may 
be  revised  or  amended  from  time  to  time  at  the  meetings  of 
the  General  Convention. 

These  five  articles,  which  comprise  chiefly  the  articles 
of  agreement,  are  the  bed  rock  or  foundation  of  this  New 
Epoch,  including  Article  5  of  the  Constitution,  which  reads 
as  follows : 

"The  powers  of  this  Grand  Lodge  are  vested  in  the 
charter  granted  by  the  Legislature ;  with  it  lies  the  power  to 
enact  laws  and  regulations  for  the  government  of  the  sub 
ordinate  lodges,  to  alter  and  repeal  laws,  and  hear  appeals 
from  subordinates  and  individual  brethren  when  such  appeals 
are  made  to  the  Grand  Lodge ;  also  to  secure  and  purchase 
property  for  the  benefit  of  the  Order.'' 


J.   H.  TAYLOR, 

P.   G.   1'.,   KY. 


E.  W.  MARSHALL, 

SEC.  G.  L.  KY. 


SECOND    EPOCH.  17 

These  being  duly  considered  by  the  Convention  they  were 
signed  and  approved  by  all  the  lodges  represented,  except 
two,  the  Independent  Sons  of  Honor  and  the  United  Fel 
lows. 

With  some  preliminaries,  and  the  election  of  officers  for 
the  ensuing  year,  the  First  Convention  and  organization  of 
the  Grand  Lodge  of  Kentucky,  United  Brothers  of  Friend 
ship,  adjourned  sine  die. 

Resolved  to  meet  in  Frankfort,  Ky.,  in  1872. 

The  title  of  the  presiding  officer  was  styled  Grand  Chief. 

The  following  officers  were  elected  to  serve  one  year : 

Wm.  H.  Gibson,  Sr. ,  Grand  Chief;  B.  J.  Crampton,  Vice 
Grand  Chief;  T.  S.  Baxter,  Grand  Secretary;  H.  P.  Gains, 
Assistant  Grand  Secretary;  A.  W.  Williams,  Grand  Treas 
urer;  J.  H.  Taylor,  Grand  Pilot;  Chas.  Coats,  Grand  Chap 
lain;  O.  Chambers,  Grand  Marshal;  M.  J.  Davis,  S.  Straus, 
W.  H.  Russell,  W.  T.  Dixon,  Richard  Courtney,  Grand 
Councilmen. 


LABOR     AFTER     THE     ORGANIZATION     OF     THE     STATE     GRAND 
LODGE OUR    FIRST    EFFORT. 

The  State  Grand  Lodge  having  been  organized,  our  duties 
were  of  great  responsibility.  By  the  suffrage  of  that  body 
we  were  made  the  leaders  to  build  up  an  institution  in  the 
State  which  had  occupied  only  a  local  position.  Many  visits 
and  communications  were  expected  ;  special  visits  and  special 
instructions  were  enjoined  upon  the  Grand  Chief  (as  he  was 
then  called).  We  sallied  out  from  Louisville  to  organize, 
trusting  in  God,  knowing  that  our  cause  was  a  just  one.  for 
just  about  that  time  it  was  perilous  in  some  parts  of  the  State 
in  regard  to  meetings  of  our  people.  It  was  during  the 


l8  UNITED    BROTHERS    OF    FRIENDSHIP. 

reign  of  "  Ku-Kluxism  ;  "  hence  we  moved  carefully  about 
the  business,  as  a  stranger  in  a  community  was  spotted  by 
the  "klan." 

Our  annual  report  will  tell  with  what  success.  We  quote 
the  following  from  the  report  of  1873  : 

"Brethren — This  being  our  second  annual  meeting,  we 
congratulate  you  on  the  progress  made.  We  should  be 
encouraged.  When  we  formed  this  lodge,  ten  lodges  were 
represented;  at  our  second  meeting,  fourteen,  and  at  our 
third,  twenty-one.  Our  increase  has  been  a  wholesome  one. 
Go  on  in  the  good  work,  and  before  another  year  we  hope 
that  in  every  county  in  the  State  we  will  have  lodges  organ 
ized.  Letters  from  the  States  of  Missouri,  Arkansas,  Texas, 
Iowa,  Indiana,  and  Mississippi  have  been  received,  inquiring 
into  the  workings  of  our  Order,  and  expressing  an  earnest 
desire  to  form  a  union  with  us,  and  if  consistent  to  obtain  a 
charter  from  this  body ;  but  as  our  charter  privileges  confine 
us  to  this  State,  I  have  instructed  them,  and  proposed  a  Na 
tional  Convention  of  United  Brothers  of  Friendship  Lodges 
for  the  purpose  of  considering  these  questions  pertaining  to 
a  Grand  Union  of  all  the  Lodges." 

This  subject  I  would  most  especially  and  respectfully 
recommend  for  your  consideration. 

It  will  be  seen  from  reading  the  quotations  from  the  fourth 
annual  report  that  this  matter  received  due  consideration. 

Charters  have  been  granted  the  following  lodges :  Cali 
fornia,  Louisville,  Ky. ;  Sharpsburg,  Ky. ,  Slickaway,  Ky.. 
Wilsonville,  Ky.,  Carlisle,  Ky.,  Chaplin,  Ky.,  Beach  Fork, 
Ky.,  Trigg  Furnace,  Ky.  ;  also  applications  from  Hopkins- 
ville  and  Bardstown,  Kv. 


SECOND    EPOCH.  19 

CHAPTER  V. 

RESOLUTIONS    SUSTAINING  THE    RECOMMENDATION    OF    GRAND 

LODGE    OF    KENTUCKY QUOTATIONS  FROM  THIRD   ANNUAL 

SESSION.    LEXINGTON. 

By  B.  J.  Crampton  : 

WHEREAS,  We  have  in  our  midst  representatives  from 
Indiana,  over  which  State  our  present  charter  gives  no  juris 
diction  ;  therefore,  be  it 

Resolved,  That  the  chair  appoint  a  Judiciary  Committee 
of  three  to  consider  and  devise  some  means  by  which  we 
may  effect  a  union  of  all  the  lodges  of  said  State,  claiming  to 
be  United  Brothers  of  Friendship,  and  those  of  other  States. 

Resolved,  That  the  New  Albany  delegation  be  considered 
a  part  of  this  assembly  and  have  the  same  privileges  of  our 
State  until  the  question  relating  to  said  lodge  be  settled. 

Resolutions  adopted. 

D.  A.  Walker,  J.  T.  Hudson,  and  N.  P.  Greenup  were 
appointed  as  the  Judiciary  Committee. 

JUDICIARY    COMMITTEE. 

The  legality  of  the  lodges  organized  under  our  charter  in 
Indiana  was  tested  in  a  suit  entered  against  one  of  our  tem 
ples,  of  which  Sister  Patsie  Hart  was  Princess.  The  court 
decided  that  the  charter  from  Kentucky  was  a  legal  docu 
ment,  and  that,  as  subordinates  under  that  charter,  they  had 
a  right  to  assemble  and  transact  business. 

On  another  occasion,  Edwin  Horn,  a  member  of  Evans- 
ville  Lodge,  who  was  also  our  first  National  Grand  Secretary, 
was  appointed  to  consult  an  eminent  jurist  in  reference  to  a 
National  Charter  for  our  National  Grand  Lodge.  Judge 
Walter  Q.  Gresham  informed  him  that  "  it  was  not  necessary 
in  order  to  make  our  proceedings  legal,  as  each  Grand 
Lodge  was  chartered  by  the  State  in  which  it  resided." 


20  UNITED    BROTHERS    OF    FRIENDSHIP. 

By  the  Judiciary  Committee  : 

Resolved,  That  we  call  a  National  Convention  of  all  the 
United  Brothers  of  Friendship  in  the  United  States  for  the 
purpose  of  forming  a  grand  consolidation  of  all  the  societies 
claiming  to  be  United  Brothers  of  Friendship,  that  a  National 
Grand  Lodge  may  be  formed,  said  Convention  to  be  called 
as  early  as  practicable. 

OBJECTION    TO    A    SECRET    ORDER. 

By  B.  J.  Crampton  : 

WHEREAS,  That  the  Order  of  United  Brothers  of  Friend 
ship,  to  all  intents  and  purposes,  is  a  purely  benevolent 
organization ;  and 

WHEREAS,  Our  object  is  to  reach  down  to  those  of  our 
race  in  the  lowest  state  of  degradation  and  ignorance  and 
raise  them  up  to  the  common  level  of  manhood ;  and 

WHEREAS,  We  believe  that  the  introduction  of  grips  and 
other  signs  of  recognition  into  our  Order  (thereby  resolving 
ourselves  into  a  secret  organization)  will  be  a  great  barrier 
to  our  Order  as  above  set  forth. 

Resolved,  That  the  resolutions  pertaining  to  said  signs  of 
recognition  be  finally  dropped. 

Resolution  adopted. 

It  will  be  seen  from  this  resolution  that  the  brethren  at 
this,  session  were  not  prepared  for  a  secret  order.  This 
matter  was  discussed  from  the  time  of  the  first  Convention, 
through  our  subordinate  and  State  Grand  Lodge  meetings, 
and  by  communications  from  sister  States,  with  its  consum 
mation  in  the  years  A.  D.  eighteen  hundred  and  seventy- 
five  and  seventy-six. 

[NOTE — Second  Annual  Grand  Lodge  did  not  meet,  on  account  ol 
small-pox,  at  Frankfort,  the  place  of  meeting.] 

QUOTATIONS    FROM    THE    FOURTH    ANNUAL    REPORT. 

"The  number  of  lodges  in  the  city  of  Louisville  now 
number  five.  A  growing  feeling  has  been  manifested  to  in- 


SECOND    EPOCH.  21 

troduce  into  our  lodges  secret  signs  of  recognition,  a  matter 
that  has  been  before  the  Grand  Lodge  before.  We  would 
recommend  that  some  action  be  taken  on  the  subject. 

"  We  were  compelled  to  call  an  extra  meeting  of  all  the 
lodges  in  the  city  of  Louisville  in  February,  with  the  Grand 
Council  and  Past  officers,  for  the  reason  that  a  spirit  of  insub 
ordination  was  manifested  by  several  members  of  the  Grand 
Council  in  calling  a  public  meeting  in  the  city  for  the  pur 
pose  of  introducing  signs  of  recognition  into  the  Order 
against  my  proclamation  forbidding  the  meeting,  and  for 
holding  correspondence  with  officers  of  a  sister  State  Grand 
Lodge,  making  proposals  for  them  to  come  into  our  State 
and  interfere  with  the  officers  in  our  jurisdiction  and  favored 
charter  rights.  The  meeting  called  by  us  was  largely  at 
tended  ;  and  in  order  that  these  refractory  brethren  might 
be  allayed  until  the  meeting  of  the  Grand  Lodge,  we  com 
municated  to  that  meeting  all  the  correspondence  that  we 
then  had  in  our  possession  which  was  the  property  and  the 
business  of  this  Grand  Lodge,  and  by  doing  so  the  brethren 
were  convinced  that  we  were  faithfully  discharging  the  duties 
that  this  Grand  Lodge  intrusted  to  us.  Since  then,  we  be 
lieve  that  general  satisfaction  has  existed. 

"  On  the  1 6th  of  March  we  called  an  extra  session  of  the 
Grand  Lodge.  The  object  of  the  meeting  was  to  consider 
the  date  and  place  of  meeting  for  the  National  Convention,  a 
proposition  having  been  received  from  St.  Louis,  Mo.,  ten 
dering  that  city  for  the  meeting.  The  following  lodges  were 
represented :  Friendship,  California,  St.  James,  St.  Peter, 
St.  Matthews,  Frankfort,  Shelbyville,  and  Lexington. 

"  Brethren,  we  have  briefly  stated  the  transactions  of  our 
societies  during  the  interval  of  the  Grand  Lodge,  which  we 
hope  will  meet  your  approval. 

"There  will  be  an  extra  amount  of  business  for  this  Grand 
Lodge  to  transact  on  account  of  the  coming  Convention  in 
July  next,  and  here  let  me  say,  that  the  foreign  correspond 
ence  from  several  Grand  Lodges  and  subordinates,  received 
during  the  year,  I  will  now  have  read,  by  your  permission. 

"Correspondence  read  from  Brownville,  Mo.,  St.  Louis, 
Mo.  (5),  Boonville,  Mo.  (2),  Natchez,  Miss.,  Austin,  Tex 


22  UNITED    BROTHERS    OF    FRIENDSHIP. 

(4),  Arkansas,  Keokuk,  Iowa  (2),  Paducah,  Ky. ,  Covington, 
Ky.  (4),  Warren  County,  Mo.,  Replies  No.  10,  12,  18. 

"Committee  on  Correspondence  recommended  all  sub 
ordinate  lodges,  with  their  Grand  Lodges,  to  meet  in  Louis 
ville  on  the  2oth  of  July  next  in  National  Convention,  where 
we  anticipate  a  happy  reunion  of  sentiment  and  a  permanent 
foundation  built  for  our  Order  throughout  these  United 
States. 

"Lodges  chartered  during  the  year,  viz.  :  St.  James,  St. 
Matthews,  Moorefield,  Paris,  Georgetown,  and  Covington." 

CHAPTER  III. 

FIRST  NATIONAL  CONVENTION  UNITED  BROTHERS  OF  FRIEND 
SHIP,  ASSEMBLED  IN  LOUISVILLE,  KY. ,  IN  THE  SEVENTH 
STREET  HALL  (NOW  THE  ARMORY),  JULY  2O,  1875. 

Pursuant  to  call  the  Convention  assembled.  The  Grand 
Chief  of  the  State,  Wm.  H.  Gibson,  Sr.,  called  the  Con 
vention  to  order  and  stated  its  object. 

On  motion,  Wm.  H.  Gibson,  Sr. ,  was  elected  Tempo 
rary  Chairman,  and  H.  P.  Gains,  of  Lexington,  Tempo 
rary  Secretary. 

A  Committee  of  seven  on  Credentials  was  appointed, 
viz.  :  Bros.  J.  H.  Rector,  St.  Louis,  Mo.  ;  W.  H.  Russell, 
Shelbyville,  Ky. ;  Boyd,  of  Indiana ;  Been,  of  Texas;  A. 
Washington,  of  Iowa;  Peters  and  McClosky,  of  Kentucky. 
J.  H.  Taylor  and  T.  Henderson,  proxy  for  Arkansas. 

LODGES    REPRESENTED. 

Taylorsville  Lodge,  J.  A.  Herron  and  Nathaniel  Mathews ; 
Wilsonville  Lodge,  D.  S.  Miles  and  Jos.  Richardson;  Falls 
City  Lodge,  Daniel  McElroy  and  Ed.  Bowen;  St.  Peter 
Lodge,  W.  H.  Jones,  Wm.  Peters,  and  W.  Hunt;  Fairfield 
Lodge,  C.  H.  Johnson,  L.  Hughes,  and  L.  Lewis;  Coving- 


SECOND    EPOCH.  23 

ton  Lodge,  C.  Goins,  J.  W.  Hillman,  and  J.  Conner;  Chap 
lin  Lodge,  R.  Morrison,  B.  McMicken,  and  Geo.  Harrison; 
St.  Matthews  Lodge,  R.  Harris,  J.  Smith,  and  Ed.  Butler; 
Good  Samaritan  Lodge,  W.  Stuban;  Moorefield  Lodge,  T. 
Jones,  W.  H.  Metcalf,  and  Geo.  Davis;  Bloomfield  Lodge, 
Geo.  Russell,  R.  W.  McClosky,  and  P.  P.  Shaw ;  Maysville 
Lodge,  J.  H.  Nates;  California  Lodge,  J.  Dandridge,  J. 
Gaddy,  and  H.  Harris;  Lexington  Lodge,  H.  P.  Gains  and 
H.  J.  Ferguson;  Friendship  Lodge,  Robert  Fox,  W.  H. 
Lawson,  and  E.  P.  Brannan;  Charity  Lodge,  A.  Williams, 
B.  J.  Crampton,  and  F.  W.  Woolfork;  St.  James  Lodge,  J. 
Montgomery,  H.  C.  Parker,  and  J.  H.  Logan ;  Scott  Lodge, 
Z.  H.  Shores  and  C.  Smith;  Excelsior  Lodge,  B.  Tyler; 
Owensboro  Lodge,  J.  A.  Fields  and  Morton;  Sharpsburg 
Lodge,  Lewis  and  Clemmon ;  Hardinsburg  Lodge,  L.  C. 
Hamilton. 

MISSOURI. — Moberly  Lodge,  No.  9,  J.  H.  Rector,  proxy; 
Owsley  Lodge,  J.  M.  Richardson ;  Macon  Lodge,  C.  H. 
Tandy  ;  St.  John  Lodge,  J.  H.  Rector,  proxy. 

TEXAS. — Austin  Lodge,  J.  Been;  Brenham  Lodge,  Galves- 
ton  Lodge,  and  Fisherville  Lodge,  J.  Been,  proxy. 

ARKANSAS. — Arkansas  Lodge,  J.  H.  Taylor  and  J.  T. 
Hudson,  proxy. 

IOWA. — Keokuk  Lodge,  Archy  Washington. 

INDIANA. — St.  Luke  Lodge,  J.  S.  Boyd,  J.  Harrison,  and 
Stephen  Douglass. 

The  Committee  on  Permanent  Organization  reported  the 
following  officers  : 

J.  H.  Rector,  of  St.  Louis,  Mo.,  President. 

J.  H.  Taylor,  of  Louisville,  Ky.,  Vice  President. 

C.  Goins,  of  Covington,  Ky. ,  Secretary. 

J.  Fields,  of  Owensboro,  Ky.,  Assistant  Secretary. 


24  UNITED    BROTHERS    OF    FRIENDSHIP. 

The  following  important  resolutions  were  adopted  at  this 
meeting : 

WHEREAS,  The  society  known  as  the  United  Brothers  of 
Friendship,  established  in  1861,  for  benevolent  purposes,  has 
met  the  most  earnest  expectations  of  its  founders  in  its  cir 
culation  of  principles,  the  accession  of  members,  and  the 
organization  of  lodges — first  in  the  State  of  Kentucky, 
then  reaching  into  other  States,  thereby  showing  its  useful 
ness;  and,  whereas,  the  several  lodges  of  Kentucky,  Mis 
souri,  and  Texas,  with  other  subordinate  lodges,  have  issued 
a  proclamation  for  this  Convention,  the  object  of  which  is  to 
form  a  more  perfect  union  of  the  Brotherhood ;  therefore,  be  it 

Resolved,  That  this  Convention  adopt  a  system  of  signs, 
grips,  and  tokens  of  recognition,  whereby  the  brethren  of 
the  Order  may  be  known  throughout  the  United  States  of 
America. 

Resolved,  That,  whereas  this  Convention  has  accomplished 
the  purposes  for  which  it  was  called,  viz.  :  to  form  a  more 
perfect  union  of  the  Brotherhood,  and  also  the  introduction 
of  signs,  grips,  and  pass-words  of  universal  recognition,  and 
for  the  purpose  of  drafting  a  constitution  that  will  meet  the 
demands  of  each  and  every  State  Grand  Lodge  working  un 
der  the  jurisdiction  of  the  Order,  we  do  adjourn,  to  meet  in 
St.  Louis,  Mo.,  one  year  hence. 

A  grand  procession  was  formed  on  the  last  day  of  the 
Convention  and  paraded  the  principle  streets  of  the  city. 
Speeches  were  made  at  night  by  delegates  chosen  for  the 
occasion.  The  ladies  spread  refreshments,  consisting  of  all 
the  delicacies  of  the  season. 

C.  H.  Tandy,  orator,  assisted  by  J.  H.  Taylor,  J.  H.  Rec 
tor,  and  others.  Their  speeches  tended  greatly  towards  cre 
ating  a  sentiment  that  riveted  the  action  of  the  Convention 
and  encouraged  many  to  apply  to  our  local  lodges  for  mem 
bership. 


C.   II.  TANDY, 

Missouri. 
P.   N.   D.  G.   M. 


papM 


J.   H.   RECTOR, 

Missouri. 

P.   N.  C. 


SECOND    EPOCH.  25 

FOSTER. 

After  the  adjournment  of  the  Convention  held  in  1875,  at 
Louisville,  Ky. ,  we  received  a  visit  from  a  gentleman  by  the 
name  of  Foster.  He  introduced  himself  as  a  brother  hail 
ing  from  Little  Rock,  Arkansas,  stating  that  a  club  had  been 
organized  for  a  lodge  of  United  Brothers  of  Friendship,  and 
that  he  had  been  sent  to  inquire  into  its  workings.  We  gave 
him  such  information  as  we  thought  necessary.  He  remained 
in  our  city  for  several  days  and,  we  learned,  borrowed  money 
from  some  parties,  and  that  was  the  last  of  him,  until  we 
heard  of  him  in  Tennessee,  Arkansas,  Texas,  and  Louisiana, 
claiming  to  be  the  authorized  agent  or  organizer  for  the 
LTnited  Brothers  of  Friendship,  collecting  money  for  sup 
plies,  regalias,  pins,  etc.,  to  the  amount  of  hundreds  of  dol 
lars,  always  in  advance,  and  the  goods  never  arrived.  Hence 
our  trip  to  those  States,  after  a  continual  solicitation,  to  ferret 
out  these  matters. 

CHAPTER  IV. 

THE    MISSOURI   CONVENTION  OF   1876,    PURSUANT  TO  THE  CALL 
OF    THE    NATIONAL    CONVENTION    OF    1875. 

The  Convention  of  1875  adjourned  to  meet  in  St.  Louis, 
Mo.,  Monday,  July  24,  1876. 

J.  H.  Rector,  of  Mo.,  called  the  meeting  to  order  and 
stated  the  object. 

J.  H.  Rector  was  chosen  Temporary  Chairman,  and  W.  T. 
Coleman,  of  Kentucky,  Temporary  Secretary. 

A  Committee  on  Permanent  Organization,  Committee  on 
Credentials,  and  Committee  on  Rules  were  appointed. 

In  the  absence  of  these  committees  the  Convention  was 
addressed  by  the  following  named  gentlemen  and  brothers : 


26  UNITED    BROTHERS    OF    FRIENDSHIP. 

W.  R.  Vanburen,  Texas;  J.  T.  Amos,  Indiana;  W.  H.  Gib 
son,  Sr. ,  Kentucky,  and  F.  W.  Washington,  Indiana. 

The  Committee  on  Permanent  Organization  reported  the 
following,  who  were  elected  : 

W.  H.  Gibson,  Sr. ,  Kentucky,  President. 

C.  H.  Tandy,  Missouri,  Vice  President. 

E.  C.  Wood,  Kentucky,  Secretary. 

B.  S.  Alpine,  Missouri,  First  Assistant  Secretary. 

E.  F.  Horn,  Indiana,  Second  Assistant  Secretary. 

W.  H.  Gilbert,  Missouri,  Chaplain. 

W.  L.  Bailey,  Kentucky,  Reporter. 

The  Committee  on  Credentials  made  the  following  report, 
which  was  adopted  : 

ROLL    OF    STATES. 

ARKANSAS. — J.  H.  Rector,  proxy  for  Steele  Lodge. 

ILLINOIS. — Steven  Lodge,  No.  7,  of  Sparta,  F.  M.  Bar 
tholomew;  Circle  Lodge,  No.  8,  of  Alton,  W.  H.  E.  Ellis- 
worth;  Monroe  Lodge,  No.  4,  of  Cairo,  James  Thomas. 

INDIANA. — Asbury  Lodge,  No.  i,  of  Evansville,  E.  F. 
Horn;  Washington  Lodge,  No.  2,  Chas.  Asbury,  F.  D.  Mor 
ton,  and  R.  Nichols. 

IOWA. — Washington  Lodge,  No.  i,  of  Keokuk,  Archy 
Washington. 

KENTUCKY. — Henderson  Lodge,  No.  3,  Elijah  Ash  and 
J.  T.  Amos;  W.  H.  Gibson,  Sr. ,  proxy  for  Fairneld  Lodge, 
No.  ii,  Lexington  Lodge,  No.  5,  Lexington  Lodge,  No.  6; 
Friendship  Lodge,  No.  i,  Louisville,  E.  P.  Brannan,  R.  C. 
Fox,  and  W.  T.  Coleman  ;  Falls  City  Lodge,  No.  41,  W. 
L.  Johnson;  Owensboro  Lodge,  No.  7,  J.  A.  Fields  and 
G.  Alexander;  St.  Paul  Lodge,  No.  — ,  J.  H.  Burbridge ; 
Hazelton  Lodge,  No.  45,  W.  N.  Spalding,  S.  Stone,  and 
E.  C.  Wood;  Green  Lodge,  No.  47,  J.  H.  Brown;  Cali 
fornia  Lodge,  No.  12,  H.  Harris;  St.  James  Lodge,  No.  21, 
Wm.  Smith;  Sharpsburg  Lodge,  No.  33,  by  proxy;  Golden 
Rule  Lodge,  No.  37,  W.  L.  Bailey  ;  St.  Mathews  Lodge, 
No.  32,  L.  H.  Williams;  Sumner  Lodge,  No.  52,  A.  Mar- 


SECOND    EPOCH.  27 

tin;  St.  Peter's  Lodge,  No.  22,  R.  Letcher;  Carthagenian 
Lodge,  No.  50,  D.  Williams;  Gaines  Lodge,  No.  46,  T.  M. 
Brown  ;  Lebanon  Lodge,  No.  53,  W.  H.  Gibson,  Jr.,  proxy; 
Bloomfield  Lodge,  No.  5,  Chaplin  Lodge,  No.  14,  W.  H. 
Gibson,  Sr. ,  proxy. 

OHIO. — Smith  Lodge,  No.  i,  Cincinnati,  C.  J.  Burkley,  Jr. 

MISSOURI. — Steel  Lodge,  No.  8,  J.  Fields  and  J.  Harris; 
Rockport  Lodge,  No.  47,  and  Macon  City  Lodge,  No.  6,  R. 
S.  Cox  and  B.  S.  Alpine;  Moberly  Lodge,  No.  9,  B.  F.  Bush, 
Chas.  Bartlett,  and  W.  H.  Thompson;  Kirkwood  Lodge,  No. 
12,  F.  W.  N.  Carter,  S.  Renfro,  and  H.  Johnson;  Webb 
Lodge,  No.  16,  F.  Brown,  proxy;  Owsley  Lodge,  No.  3, 
Ashley  Lodge,  No.  4,  F.  Brown,  proxy;  Scott  Lodge,  No. 
i,  G.  W.  Bryant,  F.  Hardy,  and  A.  Payne;  Hannibal  Lodge, 
No.  3,  O.  H.  Webb,  proxy;  Monroe  Lodge,  No.  2,  David 
Urland ;  Parris  Lodge,  No.  1 1,  John  Taylor  and  O.  H.  Webb, 
proxy ;  Palmyra  Lodge,  No.  6,  O.  H.  Webb,  proxy. 

TEXAS. — Austin  Lodge,  No.  i,  W.  B.  Vanburen  ;  Bren- 
ham  Lodge,  No.  2,  Galveston  Lodge,  No.  3,  Fishville  Lodge, 
No.  4,  Liberty  Lodge,  No.  5,  Belmont  Lodge,  No.  6,  In 
dustry  Lodge,  No.  7,  Bryan  Lodge,  No.  8,  Harrisburg  Lodge, 
No.  9,  W.  B.  Vanburen,  proxy. 

The  Convention  being  regularly  organized,  a  Business 
Committee  was  appointed,  as  follows :  J.  H.  Rector,  R.  C. 
Fox,  Robert  Harris,  Jas.  Thomas,  J.  H.  Taylor,  Wm.  Spald- 
ing,  F.  Brown,  A.  Washington,  C.  Bartlett. 

The  following  resolution  was  offered  and  passed: 

WHEREAS,  There  exists  two  factions  of  the  United  Broth 
ers  of  Friendship  in  this  Convention ;  therefore,  be  it 

Resolved,  That  each  representative  in  this  Convention 
pledge  himself  to  abide  by  the  decision  of  this  Convention, 
and  adhere  to  the  enactments  of  the  same. 

RESOLUTIONS    OF    BUSINESS    COMMITTEE. 

WHEREAS,  A  National  Convention  of  United  Brothers  of 
Friendship  is  called  to  convene  in  the  city  of  St.  Louis,  Mo., 
on  the  24th  of  July,  1876;  and, 


28  UNITED    BROTHERS    OF    FRIENDSHIP. 

WHEREAS,  The  object  of  the  Convention  is  to  perfect  the 
reunion  that  was  formed  last  year  in  the  city  of  Louisville, 
Ky.,  by  the  States  of  Missouri,  Arkansas,  Texas,  Iowa,  Ken 
tucky,  and  Indiana ;  and, 

WHEREAS,  Much  good  has  been  accomplished  in  this 
State  by  the  said  union,  and  by  the  introduction  of  signs, 
grips,  and  pass-words ;  therefore,  be  it 

Resolved,  That  it  is  the  opinion  of  the  representatives  of 
our  lodges  throughout  the  State,  that  each  State  should  form 
a  Grand  Lodge  as  soon  as  three  subordinate  lodges  are  formed 
and  chartered. 

Resolved,  That  it  is  also  the  opinion  of  the  representatives 
of  this  State,  that  an  act  of  incorporation  should  be  obtained 
by  each  State  Grand  Lodge. 

The  Business  Committee  reported  the  following : 

We  carefully  examined  the  two  works  presented,  and  we 
find  that  the  first  degree  of  W.  H.  Gibson,  Sr. ,  and  Frank 
Washington's  are  so  much  alike  that  we  accept  Bro.  Gibson's 
first  degree,  and  further  recommend  the  second  and  third 
degree  of  Missouri  Grand  Lodge,  with  some  amendments. 

By  Smith  Lodge,  of  Cincinnati,  O.  : 

Resolved,  That  a  book  be  compiled  containing  all  the 
work  of  the  United  Brothers  of  Friendship,  viz.  :  Rules, 
regulations  of  lodges,  lectures,  oath,  Mysterious  Ten,  hymns, 
funeral  ceremonies,  the  duty  of  every  officer,  and  form  of 
petition. 

By  the  Business  Committee : 

WHEREAS,  There  are  ladies  connected  with  both  branches 
of  the  Order  as  it  previously  existed;  and, 

WHEREAS,  We,  in  this  Convention,  have  consolidated, 
and  we  desire  this  bond  of  union  to  include  the  ladies ; 
therefore,  be  it 

Resolved,  That  the  union  that  is  formed  between  us,  be 
formed  between  them  (the  ladies).  Be  it  further 


SECOND    EPOCH.  29 

Resolved,  That  as  the  degrees  are  in  possession  of  the 
ladies  of  Indiana,  Missouri,  Iowa,  and  Kentucky,  that  they 
be,  together  with  the  title,  "LADIES'  TEMPLE,"  adopted  for 
the  ladies  now  belonging  to  or  related  to  the  Order  through 
out  the  United  States;  and  be  it  further 

Resolved,  That  the  Committee  on  Degrees  be  furnished 
with  the  work  of  the  different  temples,  and  write  them,  so 
that  all  may  have  the  same  work. 

RULES    SUSPENDED. 

The  following  resolution  was  offered  by  J.  T.  Amos  and 
J.  Burbridge,  of  Kentucky: 

Resolved,  That  this  Convention,  before  its  adjournment, 
shall  organize  itself  into  a  National  Grand  Lodge,  the  officers 
of  which  shall  be  as  follows :  A  National  Grand  Master,  Na 
tional  Deputy  Grand  Master,  National  Grand  Secretary,  As 
sistant  National  Grand  Secretary,  National  Grand  Treasurer, 
two  National  Grand  Trustees,  National  Grand  Chaplain,  and 
National  Grand  Sword  Bearer. 

The  Convention  being  called  to  order,  the  following  reso 
lutions  were  offered  by  Bro.  F.  D.  Morton  and  adopted : 

WHEREAS,  We,  the  delegates  and  past  and  present  Grand 
Officers  of  the  United  Brothers  of  Friendship,  have  been 
called  to  assemble  in  National  Convention  in  the  city  of  St. 
Louis;  and 

WTHEREAS,  We  feel  that  our  meeting  here  has  been  for, 
and  has  secured,  that  union  between  us  which  we  have  long 
desired  and  prayed  for ;  therefore,  be  it 

Resolved,  That  we  extend  our  heartfelt  thanks  and  mani 
fest  our  feelings  of  respect  and  obligation  to  our  worthy  Pres 
ident,  W.  H.  Gibson,  of  Kentucky,  who  has  ruled  so  judi 
ciously  and  impartially  in  this,  our  Convention  ;  be  it  further 

Resolved,  That  we  extend  our  heartfelt  thanks  to  the  Com 
mittee  on  Business  that  has  handled  and  directed  the  busi 
ness  of  this  Convention  with  such  indisputable  wisdom,  and 
may  the  Divine  Ruler  shower  his  blessings  upon  their  heads 
throughout  their  future  lives ;  and  be  it 


30  UNITED    BROTHERS    OF    FRIENDSHIP. 

Resolved,  That  we  feel  a  debt  of  gratitude  to  the  officers 
and  members  of  this  Convention  for  their  punctuality  and 
earnestness  in  the  work  of  the  Convention  ;  be  it  further 

Resolved,  That  we  extend  our  thanks  to  the  citizens  of  St. 
Louis,  and  that  a  copy  of  the  resolutions  be  furnished  for 
publication,  and  also  that  the  resolutions  be  recorded  in  the 
minutes  of  this  Convention. 

NATIONAL    GRAND    LODGE    ELECTION. 

The  following  brethren  were  elected  to  serve  for  two  years, 
viz.  :  W.  H.  Gibson,  Sr.,  of  Kentucky,  National  Grand 
Master ;  J.  T.  Amos,  of  Kentucky,  Deputy  National  Grand 
Master;  E.  F.  Horn,  of  Indiana,  National  Grand  Secretary; 
R.  C.  Fox,  of  Kentucky,  National  Grand  Treasurer ;  W.  R. 
Vanburen,  of  Texas,  First  National  Grand  Trustee;  F. 
Washington,  of  Indiana,  Second  National  Grand  Trustee ; 

E.  P.   Brannan,   of   Kentucky,   National    Grand    Chaplain ; 

F.  D.  Morton,  of  Indiana,  National  Grand  Lecturer. 

As  we  have  before  remarked  that  we  should  divide  this 
history  into  two  epochs,  it  will  be  observed  that  it  has 
required  three  Conventions,  beginning  with  that  of  1871  and 
terminating  with  1876,  to  complete  and  permanently  estab 
lish  the  order  of  the  United  Brothers  of  Friendship,  Knights 
of  Friendship,  and  the  Sisters  of  the  Mysterious  Ten.  We 
have  quoted  from  the  minutes  a  portion  of  the  most  im 
portant  resolutions  discussed  before  that  body,  so  that  the 
reader  of  this  history  may  be  informed  in  regard  to  the  opin 
ions  entertained  in  the  Conventions  in  regard  to  a  union  of 
all  the  lodges  into  a  National  Grand  Body.  It  will  be  seen 
that  there  were  those  among  the  delegates  who  were  opposed 
to  a  National  Federation  and  in  favor  of  only  a  State  Grand 
Body,  but  a  majority  favored  the  resolution  offered  by  Bros. 
Amos  and  Burbridge.  The  resolution,  when  passed,  caused 


SECOND    EPOCH.  31 

great  rejoicing  and  shaking  of  hands,  and  was  made  unani 
mous. 

REMARKS. 

The  brethren  at  St.  Louis  had  introduced  a  secret  work 
before  the  brethren  of  Kentucky,  and,  as  an  effort  was  being 
put  forth  to  establish  a  National  Grand  Lodge,  we  were  un 
willing  to  introduce  anything  pertaining  to  secrecy  until  we 
had  accomplished  that  object.  There  were  parties  in  St. 
Louis  anxious  to  come  over  and  introduce  their  work,  and 
parties  here  encouraging  them  to  come.  This  was  discour 
aged  by  us  for  the  reason  that  all  of  our  correspondence  was 
through  our  Grand  Lodge  and  its  officers  to  officers  of  other 
States,  and  we  did  not  wish  to  forestall  any  of  the  proceed 
ings  that  would  naturally  come  before  that  body.  Therefore, 
at  the  first  Convention  held  in  Louisville  in  1875,  one  secret 
degree  was  introduced  for  recognition.  At  the  Convention 
that  met  in  St.  Louis  in  1876  we  encountered  considerable 
opposition  from  those  parties  who  were  so  desirous  of  intro 
ducing  signs  or  secrets  before  the  meeting  of  the  Convention. 
Letters  were  produced  showing  that  parties  in  our  city 
(Louisville,  Ky.,)'were  cognizant  of  the  affair,  and  had  been 
sowing  the  seeds  of  discord.  But  after  the  matter  was  duly 
considered  and  explained,  and  the  schemes  laid  bare  and 
exposed,  it  was  submitted  to  the  Committee  on  Degrees. 
Success  attended  every  effort,  and  the  object  for  which  we 
met  was  accomplished. 

We  were  highly  entertained  by  the  citizens  of  St.  Louis. 
There  was  a  grand  parade  to  the  park,  where  a  large  con 
course  of  people  were  enlivened  with  music  and  speeches  by 
the  brethren. 


32  UNITED    BROTHERS    OF    FRIENDSHIP. 

FIFTH    GRAND    SESSION    OF    KENTUCKY — QUOTATIONS. 

"Brethren  of  Friendship — Again  we  have  met  as  a  Grand 
Lodge,  through  the  mercies  of  an  all-wise  Providence,  to 
transact  the  business  of  another  year.  Since  our  last  meet 
ing  prosperity  has  attended  our  efforts  and  the  progress  of 
our  Order  has  surprised  the  most  sanguine  expectations. 

"After  the  rise  of  the  Grand  Lodge  in  May,  1875,  m 
Owensboro,  a  Convention  met  in  Louisville,  July,  1875,  f°r 
the  object  of  uniting  all  of  the  lodges  known  as  the  United 
Brothers  of  Friendship.  Six  States  were  there  represented 
and  the  union  formed.  You  have  before  you  the  proceed 
ings  of  said  Convention.  One  of  the  main  features  of  it 
was  the  introduction  of  signs,  grips,  and  pass-words,  making 
our  society  a  secret  one.  It  at  once  gave  a  new  impetus  to 
the  lodges.  One  degree  was  introduced  for  the  first  year  as 
a  trial ;  so  far,  it  has  worked  admirably. 

"The  Convention  adjourned  to  meet  in  one  year  from  the 
time  of  its  adjournment,  at  St.  Louis,  Mo.,  at  which  time  it 
met,  and  we  are  proud  to  say  that  our  Grand  Lodge  was 
nobly  represented.  There  were  eight  States  represented  in 
the  Convention — several  States  that  were  not  represented  in 
the  first  were  there — also  a  portion  of  this  Order  known  as 
the  '  National  Wing  of  the  Order,'  whose  location  was  in  Mis 
souri,  and  who  had  not  confederated  with  us  in  the  union  of 
1875.  The  object  of  the  Convention  was  to  harmonize,  if 
possible,  the  two  wings  or  factions.  State  and  National,  and 
also  to  make  a  uniform  work  for  them,  if  the  union  could  be 
accomplished.  We  are  proud  to  say  that  we  were  successful 
in  our  mission  and  object.  After  a  thorough  investigation  of 
the  charter  rights  of  each  State,  and  the  origin  of  our  Order, 
also  the  rights  and  privileges  derived  from  the  laws  of  the 
several  States,  contained  in  their  charters,  a  resolution  was 
offered  that  each  party  of  the  Brotherhood  would  agree  to 
sustain  whatever  the  Convention  would  do  in  regard  to  mak 
ing  the  union  permanent,  said  resolution  being  the  basis  on 
which  the  delegates  acted.  Hence  a  union  was  formed  on 
the  following  basis : 

"  That  the  work  of  the  Order  shall  consist  of  three  de 
grees,  those  degrees  to  be  arranged  as  follows  :  The  Con- 


SECOND    EPOCH.  33 

vention  at  Louisville,  in  1875,  organized  on  a  basis  of  one 
degree,  known  as  the  First  Degree  of  Kentucky.  Missouri's 
second  and  third  degrees  to  be  retained  and  added  to  the 
first  degree  of  Kentucky,  making  three  degrees. 

''The  subject  of  a  National  Grand  Lodge  was  next  pre 
sented.  This  subject  was  thoroughly  discussed  and  many 
reasons  given,  pro  and  con,  by  the  delegates.  It  was  finally 
agreed  upon  to  form  a  National  Grand  Head.  The  officers 
were  nominated  and  elected.  Your  humble  servant  and 
several  of  the  Kentucky  members  were  elected  to  positions 
in  the  new  compact.  The  action  of  this  Convention  touch 
ing  the  National  is  to  be  ratified  by  the  several  Grand  Lodges 
at  their  first  session.  It  will  be  a  matter  for  your  present 
consideration. 

"The  duties  of  this  year  have  been  arduous.  Owing  to 
these  proposed  Conventions  we  have  had  a  very  extensive 
correspondence  with  the  officers  of  Grand  and  subordinate 
lodges  touching  the  subject  of  the  Convention  and  the 
changes  attending  it.  The  lodges  of  our  State  under  the 
jurisdiction  of  the  Grand  Lodge  are  in  a  prosperous  condi 
tion,  as  far  as  we  can  learn. 

"We  have  visited  a  number  of  the  lodges  in  this  State, 
but  not  all  of  them.  We  made  the  following  visits  :  Lexing 
ton,  Covington,  Maysville,  Cincinnati,  O.,  Bloomfield,  Fair- 
field,  Taylorsville,  Chaplin,  Shelby ville,  Lebanon,  Stanford, 
Frankfort,  and  our  city  lodges.  We  found  the  lodges,  gen 
erally,  prosperous,  with  but  little  to  distract  and  interrupt 
their  progress.  We  also  deputized  our  Past  Grand  Officer, 
H.  P.  Gaines,  to  visit  the  lodges  at  Flemingsburg,  Paris, 
Georgetown,  and  Mt.  Sterling,  and  to  establish  lodges  at 
Lexington  and  Danville.  We  also  deputized  Bro.  D.  M. 
Brown  to  establish  a  lodge  at  Cadiz,  Ky.  We  also  deputized 
the  Grand  Secretary  to  visit  Wilsonville  Lodge,  which  he 
reported  in  good  condition. 

"  Letters  have  been  received  during  the  year  from  various 
directions,  in  and  out  of  the  State,  for  information  concern 
ing  the  establishment  of  lodges,  their  work,  etc.  Such  infor 
mation  has  been  given  by  letter  and  by  a  distribution  of 
minutes  and  constitutions,  which  has  had  the  desired  effect 

3 


34  UNITED    BROTHERS    OF    FRIENDSHIP. 

toward  the  establishment  of  lodges.  Our  State  now  num 
bers  fifty-six  lodges,  eleven  of  which  are  in  the  city  of  Louis 
ville. 

"  The  resolution  passed  by  the  Convention  of  1875,  held 
in  this  city,  concerning  Ladies'  Temples  for  the  Order,  has 
been  put  into  successful  operation.  Several  charters  have 
been  granted,  two  being  in  the  city  of  Louisville  and  one  in 
the  city  of  Covington,  and  we  have  applications  for  others. 
We  highly  commend  this  female  branch  of  the  Order  as  tend 
ing  to  elevate  our  wives  and  daughters  by  bringing  them 
nearer  to  us  in  the  ties  and  mysteries  that  we  so  highly 
appreciate. 

"A  special  session  of  the  members  of  the  Grand  Council 
and  Masters  of  the  city  lodges  was  called  on  the  -  -  day  of 
February  for  the  reason  that  a  spirit  of  insubordination  was 
exhibited  by  Bro.  Henry  Wilson,  the  acting  Master  of  Hazel- 
ton  Lodge ;  said  brother  having  persistently  introduced  reg 
ulations  into  the  Order  without  permission  from  the  Grand 
Master  or  Grand  Lodge,  and  in  violation  of  section  7  of  the 
Constitution. 

"At  said  meeting  the  Grand  Master  was  sustained  by  the 
Grand  Council  and  Masters.  Bro.  Wilson  stands  suspended 
by  the  Grand  Master,  and  also  by  his  lodge,  for  improper 
conduct.  Said  brother  also  wrote  a  very  unfair  letter  to  the 
St.  Louis  Convention  against  the  officers  and  delegates  of  the 
Grand  Lodge,  containing  many  falsehoods,  which  had  a 
tendency  to  hinder  our  progress  for  a  while  in  the  Conven 
tion.  We  remand  his  case  to  this  Grand  Lodge  for  con 
sideration. 

' '  Bro.  St.  Louis  Davis,  a  member  of  our  Order,  who  left 
us  about  six  years  ago,  to  take  work  in  the  ministry,  in  the 
State  of  Arkansas,  and  who  was  also  successful  in  establish 
ing  lodges  in  that  State,  is  among  the  deceased  of  this  year. 
We  have  received  letters  of  his  demise.  He  died  in  the 
triumph  of  a  living  faith,  with  a  wish  that  his  brethren  should 
meet  him  in  heaven. 

"We  have  a  communication  from  the  Knights  of  the 
United  Brothers  of  Friendship,  of  Detroit,  Mich.,  through 
our  esteemed  and  worthy  brother,  J.  H.  Rector,  desiring  our 


SECOND    EPOCH.  35 

co-operation  in  that  direction,  he  having  been  assigned  to 
the  work  of  establishing  encampments  throughout  the  South. 

"  Brethren,  this  has  been  one  of  the  most  successful  years 
of  the  Order.  We  have  granted  charters  to  nineteen  lodges. 
Eight  of  them  were  granted  to  Louisville.  We  have  much 
to  be  proud  of.  It  is  our  fifteenth  anniversary,  with  fifty-six 
lodges  in  the  State,  a  Grand  Lodge,  and  a  union  formed  with 
eight  sister  States,  and  several  others  asking  recognition  into 
the  Brotherhood.  In  the  language  of  one  of  old,  '  Surely 
God  is  with  us,'  for  he  is  turning  the  hearts  of  the  young 
men  to  virtuous  habits,  and  from  vice  and  immorality. 
Hundreds  of  them  are  studying  and  learning  the  golden 
rules  of  our  Order.  Young  women  are  entering  the  temples, 
that  they,  too,  with  their  brethren,  may  learn  these  mys 
teries,  and  inculcate  them  in  their  lives.  Brethren,  you 
have  a  golden  harvest  before  you,  then  *  thrust  in  the 
sickle ! ' 

"For  five  years  you  have  intrusted  to  my  charge  the 
guidance  of  this  Order ;  you  have  honored  me  with  the  high 
est  honor — that  of  Grand  Master.  I  have  endeavored  to 
fulfill  the  trust  faithfully  that  you  have  so  often  reposed  in 
me,  and  if  I  have  met  with  success,  it  has  been  by  the  help 
of  God  and  your  assistance.  I  have  erred  at  times,  I  doubt 
not;  but  it  is  human  to  err.  I  claim  not  perfection,  but  I 
know  that  to  err  has  never  been  intentional  during  my  admin 
istration.  I  have  striven  to  deal  justly  with  the  brethren, 
yet  tempered  with  mercy,  and  now  that  my  term  will  expire 
at  the  close  of  this  session,  I  had  hoped  to  be  relieved  from 
the  cares  of  an  office  for  at  least  a  year.  But,  behold!  a 
greater  responsibility  has  fallen  upon  me  by  the  National 
Convention  conferring  upon  me  the  office  of  National  Grand 
Master.  Instead  of  looking  after  the  interest  of  one  State, 
I  shall  have  the  interest  of  many  States  to  which  to  admin 
ister;  yet  in  this  capacity,  in  my  new  position,  I  earnestly 
ask  the  assistance  and  general  co-operation  of  the  entire 
Brotherhood. 

"In  conclusion,  my  brethren,  it  will  devolve  upon  you  to 
select  one  from  your  midst  to  be  your  Grand  Master.  You 
have  a  number  of  worthy  brethren  that  no  doubt  will  serve 


36  UNITED    BROTHERS    OF    FRIENDSHIP. 

you  faithfully  and  competently.  Hence  I  leave  the  matter 
in  your  hands,  hoping  that  you  will  make  a  wise  and  judi 
cious  selection.  I  thank  you,  brethren,  for  your  many  kind 
regards  and  the  support  that  you  have  given  me  for  five 
years  as  Grand  Master. 

"WM.  H.  GIBSON,  SR.,  Grand  Master. 

THE  FIRST  STATE  GRAND  LODGE  IN  KENTUCKY  AFTER  THE 
ORGANIZATION  OF  THE  NATIONAL  GRAND  LODGE  IN  ST. 
LOUIS,  MO. 

It  was  one  of  interest.  The  actions  of  the  National  were 
to  be  ratified  by  each  State  Grand  Lodge.  A  Grand  Master 
for  the  State  of  Kentucky  was  to  be  elected  and  the  report 
of  the  former  Grand  Master,  who  had  been  promoted  to  the 
office  of  National  Grand  Master,  was  to  be  received  also. 

The  reports  of  the  delegates  to  the  National  Convention 
were  to  be  received  and  adopted. 

A  resolution  was  offered,  and  passed  unanimously,  that  a 
vote  of  thanks  be  tendered  Bro.  W.  H.  Gibson,  Sr.,  for  his 
faithful  services  during  five  years  as  Grand  Master  of  the 
State;  and  also  that  he  be  presented  with  a  gold  chain,  the 
presentation  to  take  place  at  the  Exposition  building  at  1 1 
o'clock  P.  M.,  August  25,  1876. 

The  presentation  by  J.  H.  Taylor,  P.  G.  V.  P.,  was  per 
formed  in  the  presence  of  an  immense  audience. 

CHAPTER  VI. 

NATIONAL    GRAND    MASTER'S    FIRST    REPORT. 

LOUISVILLE,  July  i,  1878. 

2o  the  National  Grand  Officers  and  Members   of  the   United 

Brothers  of  Friendship : 

BROTHERS — I  take  great  pleasure  in  presenting  to  you  the 
following  report  of  the  financial  transactions  of  my  office 
from  July,  1876,  to  July,  1878,  with  the  hope  that  you  will 


SECOND    EPOCH.  37 

find  everything  satisfactory  as  to  the  discharge  of  the  duties 
incumbent  upon  me  as  National  Grand  Master. 

Through  the  providence  of  God  we  are  again  permitted 
to  meet  in  our  biennial  session.  Since  last  we  met  many 
voices  that  joined  with  us  in  our  lodge  exercises  have  departed 
this  life,  and  their  names  are  registered  on  the  death-roll  of 
our  Order,  and  we  trust  that  their  spirits  are  enjoying  the  re 
pose  of  that  better  land  for  which  we  are  all  struggling. 

Since  the  adjournment  of  the  National  Grand  Session  we 
have  endeavored  to  perform  the  responsible  duties  devolving 
upon  us  in  consequence  of  the  high  and  honorable  position 
to  which  you  have  seen  fit  to  exalt  us.  We  entered  upon 
those  duties  without  any  written  laws  to  govern  us  save  such 
usages  as  are  customary  to  a  National  Grand  Master  having 
the  oversight  of  the  whole  Order  throughout  the  States.  Our 
first  business,  after  leaving  St.  Louis,  Mo.,  was  to  arrange 
for  the  publishing  of  the  minutes  and  secret  work  of  the 
Grand  Session,  said  work  being  delegated  to  us  by  the  Con 
vention.  These  duties  were  performed  to  the  very  best  of 
our  ability,  though  without  any  means  to  meet  expenses, 
which  amounted  to  a  sum  bordering  on  two  hundred  dollars. 
After  the  work  was  printed  and  ready  for  delivery  we  noti 
fied  the  proper  authorities  of  the  several  States  and  waited 
for  remittances  to  meet  expenses,  as  was  agreed  upon  at  St. 
Louis,  Mo.  With  but  few  exceptions,  the  reply  was  to  send 
the  work,  but,  as  the  lodges  were  not  able  to  pay  or  settle 
then,  they  would  do  so  hereafter.  We  did  not  feel  justified 
in  doing  so,  hence  a  large  portion  of  the  work  remained  in 
the  printing  office  for  one  year  before  it  was  paid  for  and 
distributed  to  the  lodges.  Here,  let  me  say.  that  we  had  to 
deviate  from  the  course  we  had  intended  to  pursue  when  we 
started  out,  which  was  to  have  all  moneys  pass  through  the 
hands  of  the  National  Grand  Secretary  and  National  Grand 
Treasurer,  as  is  customary ;  but  for  the  reason  that  we  were 
held  responsible  for  the  printing  and  the  State  lodges  re 
sponded  so  slowly  or  indifferently  to  our  request  to  pay  their 
pro  rata  of  expenses,  we  were  compelled  to  take  a  different 
course.  That  course  was  this  :  to  use  the  money  on  appli 
cation  for  charters  to  the  liquidation  of  the  printing  bill,  as 


38  UNITED    BROTHERS    OF    FRIENDSHIP. 

the  money  could  not  be  collected  as  provided  for  by  the 
National  Grand  Lodge  at  St.  Louis,  viz.  :  that  each  State 
should  pay  for  its  portion  of  printing. 

The  duties  of  the  National  Grand  Master,  as  we  under 
stand  them,  was  to  establish  lodges  and  temples  in  States 
where  there  were  no  Grand  Lodges  existing.  This  we  have 
done,  and  by  pursuing  this  course  we  have  succeeded  in 
paying  off  the  National  Grand  Lodge  debts  and  have  a  small 
balance  to  turn  over  to  the  National  Grand  Treasury. 

This  course  of  procedure  was  somewhat  out  of  the  proper 
channel,  but  it  was  a  case  of  emergency,  where  we  were 
dunned  for  the  printing  bill,  and  there  being  no  other 
resource,  we  took  this,  hoping  that  when  the  Grand  Lodge 
assembled  it  would  verify  our  acts  so  far  as  they  were  con 
sistent.  We  informed  the  National  Grand  Secretary  of  our 
course  at  different  times  and  assigned  the  reasons  for  so 
doing.  Several  charters  granted  by  me  failed  to  have  the 
Secretary's  signature  attached,  as  we  were  separated  by  many 
miles,  and  it  was  inconvenient  to  have  them  signed  without 
incurring  the  expense  of  double  postage  and  no  treasury  to 
draw  from. 

These  charters  can  be  called  in  and  others  given,  or  his 
signature  authorized  and  affixed. 

Another  matter  has  given  me  considerable  trouble,  and 
also  attached  to  it  some  expense,  that  is,  the  imposition  of  a 
so-called  Grand  Master  for  the  State  of  Arkansas,  in  the  per 
son  of  one  J.  C.  Foster,  who  has  roamed  the  State  of  Arkan 
sas,  some  portion  of  Tennessee,  Louisiana,  and  Texas — the 
latter  State  he  has  swindled  out  of  hundreds  of  dollars,  by 
collecting  in  advance  money  for  charters,  degree  books,  re 
galias,  pins,  etc.  He  has  represented  himself  as  Deputy 
National  Grand  Master,  claiming  that  his  authority  was  re 
ceived  from  us  as  National  Grand  Master.  He  was  more 
successful  in  Texas  than  elsewhere,  from  the  fact  that  the 
State  is  very  large,  and  contains  a  vast  territory — five  times 
as  large  as  the  State  of  New  York.  We  had  a  Grand  Lodge 
in  that  State,  and  yet  it  appears  that  in  the  northern  part  of 
the  State,  where  he  was  operating,  they  did  not  know  that  a 
Grand  Lodge  existed.  About  twelve  lodges  were  organized 


SECOND    EPOCH.  39 

by  him  and  large  amounts  of  money  gathered,  with  the  as 
surance  that  he  had  written  to  the  National  Grand  Master 
for  charters,  and  that  he  was  waiting  for  them.  They  waited 
until  their  patience  became  threadbare;  they  then  took  mat 
ters  into  their  own  hands,  and  began  writing  and  dispatching  to 
me,  relating  the  state  of  affairs,  and  threatening  a  dissolu 
tion,  and  to  organize  into  some  other  order.  We  wrote  to 
them  that  there  was  a  Grand  Lodge  in  the  State  of  Texas, 
and  gave  them  the  name  and  address  of  the  Grand  Master. 
Their  reply  to  me  was  this  :  That  they  had  been  deceived  by 
deputies,  and  that  if  the  head  of  the  Order  would  or  could 
not  visit  them,  that  they  would  disband. 

After  consultation  and  deliberation  we  concluded  to  risk 
a  visit  to  Texas,  and  save  those  brethren  to  our  Order  who 
desired  to  be  with  us,  but  were  ignorant  of  our  workings. 

We  left  Louisville  October  14,  1877,  for  Sherman,  Texas, 
and  arrived  on  the  i7th;  met  the  brethern  and  sisters'  tem 
ple,  lectured,  and  put  them  in  working  order;  remained  two 
days;  left  on  the  i8th,  p.  M.,  for  Dallas,  Texas,  in  company 
with  Bro.  Henry  Reid,  of  Sherman,  who  rendered  us  very 
efficient  service;  arrived  at  Dallas,  met  the  lodge,  gave  in 
structions,  heard  grievances,  and  set  them  to  work;  met 
same  lodge  on  the  ipth;  invited  to  Fort  Worth,  but  did  not 
go;  left  the  same  night  for  Austin  and  arrived  there  on  the 
2oth,  and  met  several  Grand  Officers  of  the  State,  with  the 
subordinate  lodge  of  Austin — a  noble  band  of  brothers — who 
received  us  cheerfully. 

We  compared  our  work,  and  such  changes  as  we  deemed 
necessary  we  made;  we  also  informed  the  Grand  Officers  of 
the  depredations  of  Foster,  and  heard  the  grievances  of  that 
body  against  him,  who,  they  asserted,  had  robbed  them  of 
their  means  by  imposition,  and  that  they  desired  to  be  set 
right  and  receive  the  proper  work.  We  obligated  them  and 
put  them  in  possession  of  the  work.  Other  lodges  in  the 
northern  part  of  the  State  applied  and  needed  our  attention, 
Fort  Worth,  Jefferson,  Texarkana,  and  Shreveport,  about 
one  dozen  lodges  in  all.  Under  the  circumstances  we  deemed 
it  advisable  to  visit  the  southern  part  of  the  State  and  confer 
with  the  Grand  Master  and  officers,  and  acquaint  them  with 


40  UNITED    BROTHERS    OF    FRIENDSHIP. 

the  state  of  affairs.  After  writing  and  dispatching  we  re 
ceived  pressing  invitations  to  visit  them.  Then  we  con 
ceived  the  idea  of  the  necessity  of  deputizing  some  one  to 
visit  the  lodges  of  the  northern  portion  of  the  State  and  in 
form  them  of  our  presence  in  the  State,  and  also  to  give  in 
structions  as  received  from  us.  For  that  purpose  we  selected 
Rev.  Henry  Reid,  of  Sherman,  who  had  urged  every  means 
to  have  the  Order  set  right  before  the  people  of  Texas.  We 
authorized  him  to  act  as  deputy  over  those  lodges  until  the 
time  for  the  call  of  the  Grand  Lodge  of  Texas,  and  then  re 
port  to  that  meeting.  We  thought  this  whole  matter  would 
be  settled,  and  that  the  northern  lodges  would  be  recognized 
and  be  received  under  the  State  Grand  Lodge  of  Texas. 

Hence  my  visit  to  the  southern  portion  of  the  State  to 
confer  with  the  Grand  Master  and  Grand  Officers,  and  in 
form  them  in  person,  and  map  out  a  plan  for  a  union  of  the 
legitimate  and  illegitimate  lodges. 

We  granted  charters  to  Sherman  and  Bonham,  and  obli 
gated  them  at  Dallas,  so  that  they  might  be  properly  within 
the  fold. 

We  visited  Austin,  arriving  there  on  the  2oth,  and  were 
received  by  W.  H.  Mitchell  and  a  number  of  the  leading 
members,  also  Bro.  Black,  Deputy  Grand  Master  of  Texas; 
visited  the  lodge  on  the  2ist  and  226.  inst,  lectured,  revised 
their  work,  and  conferred  with  them  in  regard  to  the  best 
mode  to  pursue  towards  those  northern  brethren  who  had 
been  so  basely  deceived.  The  brethren  expressed  a  desire 
to  see  them  under  the  control  of  their  Grand  Lodge,  and 
promised  to  work  to  that  end  when  assembled. 

We  left  Austin  on  the  22d,  at  7:15  p.  M.,  for  Houston, 
arriving  there  at  8:30  A.  M.  on  the  23d  inst.,  and  met  with  a 
very  warm  reception  from  Bros.  F.  E.  Banks,  Watson,  Green, 
and  others  ;  met  the  lodge  at  night,  had  a  happy  reunion,  was 
introduced,  lectured,  and  set  matters  in  order  generally. 

On  the  24th  we  left  for  Galveston,  arriving  at  12  M.,  and 
were  received  by  Bro.  Moses  Morris  and  S.  M.  Todd,  Grand 
Secretary.  A  very  heavy  storm  prevented  our  visiting  the 
lodge  until  Friday,  the  26th,  causing  us  to  remain  three 
days.  We  had  a  good  time,  this  being  the  headquarters  of 


SECOND    EPOCH.  41 

the  Order,  with  a  finely  furnished  lodge  room.  We  lec 
tured  and  tried  to  make  ourselves  generally  useful,  review 
ing  matters  pertaining  to  the  disturbances  in  the  State,  and 
arranging  with  the  Grand  Officers  on  the  basis  mentioned 
before.  I  expected  to  have  met  Grand  Master  Vanburen, 
but  was  disappointed,  as  he  had  removed  to  another  portion 
of  the  State,  and  did  not  get  my  letter  until  I  had  left  the 
State. 

The  time  of  the  meeting  of  their  Grand  Lodge  had  passed 
without  a  call.  We  urged  them  to  call  a  session  as  early  as 
possible  in  order  to  perfect  arrangements  with  the  northern 
brethren  of  the  State.  The  Grand  Lodge  assembled  at  the 
time  appointed,  and  you  have  their  representatives  and  min 
utes  for  reference.  We  learn  that  the  matter  had  not  been 
amicably  adjusted,  as  we  had  hoped  it  would  be,  at  that  ses 
sion  at  Houston.  It  is,  therefore,  a  matter  for  consideration 
by  this  Grand  Assembly.  There  are  about  a  dozen  lodges 
claiming  protection  from  this  Grand  Body. 

We  have  also  recently  received  a  communication  from 
parties  in  San  Antonio,  Tex.,  claiming  to  be  United  Brothers 
of  Friendship,  set  up  by  Foster,  and  inquiring  as  to  his 
authority,  and  desiring  to  know  if  there  is  a  Grand  Lodge 
in  Texas.  We  have  written  to  the  Grand  Officers  in  Texas 
informing  them  of  the  matter. 

Louisiana  has  also  been  imposed  upon  by  said  Foster.  A 
lodge  has  been  organized  at  Shreveport,  La.,  and  we  have 
received  many  communications  from  there.  We  sent  them 
the  charter  gratis,  as  they  claimed  to  have  paid  for  one,  and 
as  we  expected  a  delegation  from  there  we  hoped  that  their 
grievance  would  here  be  settled. 

We  visited  the  State  of  Indiana  soon  after  the  adjourn 
ment  of  the  National  Grand  Lodge.  September  4,  1876,  we 
organized  a  temple  in  the  city  of  Indianapolis  in  the  A.  M.  E. 
Church  (Elder  Lankford,  pastor,)  numbering  one  hundred 
and  fifteen  worthy  ladies. 

September  6th  we  visited  Covington,  Ky.,  and  organized 
a  temple  for  our  State. 

November  16,  1876,  we  organized  a  male  lodge  at  Indian 
apolis  of  forty  members.  We  were  assisted  by  Bro.  W.  H. 


42  UNITED    BROTHERS    OF    FRIENDSHIP. 

Lawson,  one  of  the  original  founders  of  the  Order.  On  the 
1 7th  inst.,  we  visited  the  temple,  settled  a  difficulty,  and  left 
them  in  good  condition. 

April  28,  1877,  we  organized  a  lodge  in  Indianapolis  of 
forty-one  members,  all  apparently  good  material. 

On  April  3<Dth  we  organized,  in  the  same  city,  a  temple 
of  ladies,  visited  Temple  No.  i  at  night,  gave  them  a  lecture, 
and  left  them  in  good  spirits.  Indianapolis  is  now  the 
stronghold  of  the  U.  B.  F.'s  of  Indiana. 

August  20,  1877,  we  visited  JefTersonville,  Ind. ,  and  or 
ganized  a  temple  there. 

September  25th,  organized  in  the  same  city  a  lodge,  the 
application  for  which  had  been  made  before  the  Grand 
Lodge  of  Indiana  had  been  organized,  but  we  had  not  found 
it  convenient  to  do  the  work.  We  had  instructed  the  officers 
of  the  lodge  to  petition  the  Grand  Lodge  of  Indiana,  which 
they  did,  but  the  answer  was  unsatisfactory  and  they  were 
about  to  disband,  so  in  order  to  save  them  to  our  Order  we 
organized  the  lodge. 

On  our  last  visit  to  Indianapolis  we  advised  them  to  con 
fer  with  the  other  lodges  and  call  a  Convention  and  form  a 
Grand  Lodge.  They  did  so,  and  in  July,  1877,  a  Grand 
Lodge  was  formed  with  Charles  Asbury,  Esq.,  as  Grand 
Master,  and  the  lodges  and  temples  of  the  State  are  in  a 
prosperous  condition. 

We  organized  a  lodge  at  New  Albany  -  —,1877. 

There  are  now  one  male  lodge  and  two  temples  in  that  city, 
all  in  good  condition,  as  we  learn  from  the  officers. 

We  visited  the  State  of  Ohio.  There  is  but  one  lodge 
there,  which  is  at  Cincinnati,  and  in  a  flourishing  condition. 
We  have  had  an  application  from  Dayton,  in  that  State,  for 
a  lodge,  but,  for  some  cause,  we  have  not  succeeded  in 
effecting  an  organization.  We  commend  it  to  the  brethren 
of  Cincinnati  to  work  up. 

We  opened  communication  with  an  order  in  Cincinnati 
calling  themselves  United  Brothers,  who  desired  to  know  the 
terms  on  which  they  could  be  received  into  our  Order.  We 
furnished  them  with  our  minutes,  and  also  met  a  committee. 
The  only  difference  seemed  to  be  a  change  of  regalias.  This 


SECOND    EPOCH.  43 

we  left  with  the  brethren  there  to  work  up,  and  the  future 
will  tell  of  their  success. 

.  From  Illinois  and  Iowa  we  have  received  no  special  com 
munication,  save  from  Alton,  that  the  lodge  there  is  in  good 
condition. 

We  have  been  in  regular  correspondence  with  the  leading 
officers  in  Missouri  and  know  nothing  to  mar  the  prosperity 
of  that  noble  band  of  brothers. 

We  visited  Arkansas  in  October,  1877.  In  the  city  of 
Little  Rock,  where  we  found  the  Grand  Master  of  that  State, 
Bro.  A.  W.  Kern,  there  is  a  lodge  of  brothers  and  temple  of 
sisters,  true  types  of  their  Order,  who  received  us  very  kindly 
and  courteously.  We  lectured  there  on  our  new  work,  and 
put  them  in  possession  of  all  that  was  necessary  to  establish 
the  Order  permanently  there. 

We  have  received  numerous  letters  from  the  brethren  in 
Louisiana.  A  lodge  has  been  organized  at  Shreveport,  in 
that  State,  which  has  labored  under  many  disadvantages.  It 
was  organized  by  Foster,  promised  a  charter  and  degree 
books,  regalias,  etc.,  and  paid  for  them  in  advance,  but  had 
not  received  them.  We  deputized  a  brother  from  Texas  to 
go  there  and  organize  them  properly,  and  sent  them  a  charter 
gratis.  We  are  expecting  a  representation  here,  and  that  all 
the  facts  in  the  case  will  be  heard  by  this  Grand  Assembly. 
A  sister's  temple  has  been  organized  there  by  Bro.  Dearmay 
and  an  application  for  a  charter  is  now  in  our  possession. 

In  the  city  of  New  Orleans  a  body  has  been  organized 
and  are  preparing  to  send  for  a  charter.  \Ve  have  sent  them 
a  copy  of  minutes  and  a  constitution.  The  prospects  look 
favorable  in  that  State. 

We  have  a  lodge  in  the  city  of  Memphis,  Tenn.,  organ 
ized  by  T.  S.  Baxter.  I  have  received  numerous  letters 
from  them.  They  have  had  much  trouble  there.  We 
should  have  visited  them  at  the  same  time  that  we  made  our 
tour  to  Arkansas  and  Texas,  but  could  get  no  reply  from  the 
officers  of  the  lodge.  We  have  learned  that  the  lodge  was 
not  aware  of  my  desire  to  meet  them.  They  have  since  had 
a  lawsuit,  and  their  treasury  is  low.  They  yet  desire  to 


44  UNITED    BROTHERS    OF    FRIENDSHIP. 

have  an  official  visit.     We  commend  their  case  to  the  con 
sideration  of  this  Convention. 

Our  last  visit  was  to  Alabama,  in  June,  1878.  At  Hunts- 
ville  we  have  a  lodge  and  temple.  A  society  had  been  estab 
lished  in  1866,  but,  by  bad  management  and  dishonesty  of 
leading  officers,  it  had  dwindled  down  to  nothing.  A  few 
brethren,  however,  held  on  and  endeavored  to  revive  it. 
They  recently  opened  communication  with  us  and  decided 
to  send  for  a  constitution  and  minutes.  They  resolved  to 
reorganize  under  our  charter  and  receive  the  same  work. 
We  visited  them  for  that  purpose  and  installed  the  officers  of 
a  lodge  and  temple.  The  lodge  is  composed  of  about  fifty 
of  as  good  men  as  we  have  seen  at  any  time  or  place,  and 
the  temple  is  composed  of  twenty-five  amiable  ladies,  the 
wives  and  relatives  of  the  brethren.  They  promise,  under 
the  new  regime,  to  revolutionize  the  State  of  Alabama  and 
make  the  United  Brothers  of  Friendship  a  power  within  its 
borders. 

There  are  other  States  in  which  our  Order  has  not  been 
introduced  as  yet,  but  it  takes  time  to  develop  and  utilize 
great  institutions,  and  we  believe  we  will  be  successful  in 
organizing  and  establishing  ours. 

The  progress  of  the  Order  has  been  rapid  since  our  first 
National  Convention  in  1875.  Tne  second,  held  in  St.  Louis 
in  1876,  gave  a  new  impetus  to  our  growth.  Truly,  it  may 
be  said  that  "  In  union  there  is  strength."  It  was  a  new 
order  of  a  few  years'  experience,  and  we  have  been  carefully 
feeling  our  way,  learning  our  weak  points,  and  in  our  Con 
ventions  correcting  our  errors  in  order  that  we  might  emerge 
with  greater  energy  and  zeal  in  behalf  of  our  beloved  insti 
tution. 

One  among  our  greatest  necessities  is  a  printing  bureau, 
or  sinking  fund,  created  for  the  purpose  of  meeting  the  ex 
penses  of  our  conventions  or  grand  assemblies.  We  need  the 
proceedings  of  our  conventions,  we  need  degree  books,  con 
stitutions,  and  other  things  pertaining  to  a  growing  order  like 
this.  Minutes  issued  nine  or  twelve  months  after  the  ad 
journment  of  a  convention  do  not  show  business  qualities. 
Resolutions  of  taxation  upon  the  membership  of  lodges, 


SECOND    EPOCH.  45 

with  no  power  to  enforce  them,  show  weakness  in  the  ad 
ministrative  power  of  the  lodges.  Standing  debts  from  year 
to  year  do  not  add  to  the  influence  of  any  individual  or  body 
of  indviduals.  Experience  has  taught  us  this  lesson,  and 
being  desirous  of  profiting  by  the  teaching  of  the  school  of 
experience,  we  have  made  the  following  arrangements  for 
meeting  the  expenses  of  the  Grand  Lodge : 

We  called  a  Council  of  Grand  Masters  of  States  on  the 

—  day  of  February,  1878,  in  the  city  of  Louisville,  as  in 
structed  by  the  resolutions  of  the  National  Convention  of  St. 
Louis,  Mo. 

There  were  present  at  that  Council  Grand  Master  Chas. 
Asbury,  of  Indiana;  T.  S.  Baxter,  of  Kentucky;  National 
Grand  Treasurer  R.  C.  Fox,  National  Grand  Chaplain  E.  P. 
Bran  nan,  the  Grand  Council  of  Kentucky  Grand  Lodge,  and 
the  National  Grand  Master. 

We  decided  on  the  day  of  meeting,  stated  our  plans  for 
raising  means  for  defraying  expenses,  and  deprecated  the 
strain  we  had  labored  under  in  raising  money  to  defray  the 
expense  of  our  Grand  meeting. 

Our  plan  was  to  sit  in  convention  three  days,  and  on  the 
fourth  day  have  a  grand  celebration,  rent  a  park  or  hall,  have 
an  entertainment  to  raise  the  means,  and  the  overplus  divide 
among  the  Louisville  lodges,  who  would  be  invited  to  assist 
in  perfecting  the  programme.  We  issued  our  circulars,  and 
accordingly,  on  the  3oth  of  April,  we  called  a  mass-meeting 
of  the  Louisville  lodges,  read  numerous  letters  from  Grand 
Masters  and  Officers  of  States  approving  the  call,  and  we 
then  requested  the  lodges  to  appoint  a  committee  to  co-oper 
ate  with  us  in  carrying  out  this  programme. 

The  lodges  appointed  their  committee.  After  their  ap 
pointment  a  second  meeting  was  held,  when  the  joint  com 
mittee  of  lodges  assumed  entire  control  of  the  fourth  day's 
management  of  the  affairs  of  the  Convention,  and  contended 
that  this  Convention  had  no  power  or  control  over  it  further 
than  they  permitted,  more  especially  the  financial  depart 
ment,  a  department  conceived  by  us,  and  intended  to  assist 
in  liquidating  debts  that  might  accrue  against  this  body  whilst 
here  assembled. 


46  UNITED    BROTHERS    OF    FRIENDSHIP. 

Brethren,  this  portion  of  my  address  we  deprecate,  and 
would  prefer  that  it  were  blank,  but  these  are  facts,  and  I 
desire  that  my  acts  in  this  particular  be  either  approved  or 
disapproved. 

As  the  Executive  Officer  of  the  entire  Order,  we  hold  that 
a  sub-committee  from  subordinate  lodges  have  not  the  right 
to  interfere  with  arrangements  made  by  the  Grand  Masters 
and  their  Councils  for  raising  means  to  defray  the  expenses 
of  the  Grand  body. 

If  the  plan  were  offensive  they  should  have  resigned  and 
let  others  be  appointed.  We  have  not  been  notified  from 
any  lodge  that  the  provisions  made  were  offensive,  or  that 
they  would  not  support  them.  Hence  it  must  not  be  con 
sidered  that  we  are  charging  the  lodges  of  Louisville  with 
discourtesy,  but  only  the  committee  that  has  usurped  all  the 
power  to  itself.  If  we  have  a  National  Grand  Lodge  with 
an  executive  at  its  head,  we  claim  that  it  should  be  respected  ; 
and  it  is  with  you  to  say,  yea  or  nay. 

In  conclusion,  my  brethren,  having  given  you  in  detail 
the  most  important  transactions  of  our  Order  for  two  years, 
we  submit  it  for  your  careful  consideration. 

Rev.  E.  W.  S.  Hammond,  a  member  of  the  National 
Grand  Lodge  from  Covington,  Ky.,  figured  conspicuously. 

This  being  the  first  National  meeting  after  the  organiza 
tion  of  the  National  body  at  St.  Louis,  Mo.,  two  very  import 
ant  branches  of  the  Order  were  to  be  organized,  viz.:  the 
National  Grand  Camp  and  the  National  Grand  Temple  and 
Sisters  of  the  Mysterious  Ten. 

To  Bro.  Hammond  belongs  the  credit  of  composing  the 
ritualistic  work  of  the  Grand  Camp.  He,  being  chairman, 
wrote  it,  and  the  committee  and  National  Grand  Lodge  en 
dorsed  it.  He  also  espoused  the  cause  of  the  sisters  having 
a  National  Grand  Temple.  As  there  was  considerable  oppo 
sition  to  this  feature  of  their  organization,  Bro.  Hammond's 
appeal  in  their  behalf  caused  a  majority  of  the  delegates  to 


SECOND    EPOCH.  47 

vote  in  favor  of  this  very  important  measure.  The  wisdom 
of  it  has  been  verified  long  since. 

The  closing  scenes,  a  long  and  tedious  work  of  five 
years  accomplished,  much  anxiety  was  felt  for  the  success 
of  this  meeting  by  the  friends  of  the  Union,  for  there  had 
been  an  effort  made  to  defeat  it,  and  when  the  Convention 
was  opened  we  found  letters  and  adverse  instructions  against 
our  plans,  but,  after  a  fair  discussion,  pro  and  con,  the  ob 
ject  for  which  we  met  was  accomplished. 

Kentucky,  Missouri,  Indiana,  and  Texas  were  repre 
sented  in  the  persons  of  Grand  Masters,  viz.:  W.  H.  Gibson, 
O.  H.  Webb,  Frank  Washington,  and  W.  R.  Vanburen. 
They  were  soon  commissioned  by  this  National  Grand  Body 
to  go  throughout  this  broad  land,  from  ocean  to  ocean,  from 
the  gulf  to  the  lakes,  and  proclaim  the  birth  of  a  Negro 
Order,  whose  duty  would  be  to  gather  in  a  portion  of  the 
millions  of  negroes  who,  on  account  of  American  slavery  and 
an  internecine  war,  were  destitute  of  homes,  uneducated, 
and  starving  for  those  comforts  that  go  to  make  up  and  ele 
vate  a  people.  By  their  efforts  they  were  to  build  up  lodges 
and  temples  and  widow's  and  orphan's  homes,  and  assist  in 
educating  them  in  all  the  avenues  of  life  that  tend  to  make 
them  free  and  happy.  The  blessing  of  God  was  invoked 
upon  them,  and  they  went  forth  as  generals  leading  their 
respective  armies.  Time  has  revealed  how  well  their  labors 
have  been  blessed.  This  is  the  foundation  upon  which  this 
structure  was  built. 


48  UNITED    BROTHERS    OF    FRIENDSHIP. 


CHAPTER  VII. 

[CIRCULAR.] 
SECOND    BIENNIAL    SESSION    OF   THE   NATIONAL  GRAND  LODGE. 

The  second  biennial  session  of  the  National  Grand  Lodge 
will  convene  in  the  city  of  Indianapolis,  Ind.,  July  i,  1880, 
at  12  o'clock  M.  Each  Grand  Lodge  is  entitled  to  five  dele 
gates  and  subordinate  lodges  entitled  to  three.  Secretaries 
of  subordinate  lodges  will  observe  Articles  i  and  2  in  Na 
tional  Grand  Lodge  Constitution  (page  36)  in  reference  to 
taxes.  All  delegates  will  appear  properly  accredited.  By 
order  of  W.  H.  GIBSON,  N.  G.  M. 

ED.  F.  HORN,  Secretary. 

NOTICE. 
Ladies  of  the  Mysterious  Ten,   United  Sisters  of  Friendship  : 

The  second  session  of  the  Sisterhood  will  assemble  in  the 
city  of  Indianapolis  July  2  at  3  o'clock  p.  M.  Delegates  from 
each  temple  will  be  expected  to  be  present.  Each  temple 
will  be  entitled  to  three  delegates,  with  credentials  properly 
signed  and  attested.  W.  H.  GIBSON,  N.  G.  M. 

ED.  F.  HORN,  Secretary. 

NOTICE. 

A  session  of  the  Grand  Camp  will  be  held  during  the  ses 
sion  of  the  Grand  Lodge.  On  the  5th  of  July  a  grand 
parade  of  the  Order  will  take  place,  escorted  by  the  Knight 
hood.  A  competitive  drill  for  a  fine  sword  will  take  place. 
Commanders  of  camps  are  expected  to  have  their  members 
uniformed  in  strict  conformity  to  the  regulations. 

W.  H.  GIBSON,  N.  G.  K.  C. 

E.  W.  S.  HAMMOND,  N.  G.  Sr.  K.  C. 

J.  H.  RECTOR,  N.  S.  C. 

J.  MCLEOD,  N.  G.  R. 


F.  D.  MORTON, 

Indiana. 
P.   N.  G.  M. 


F.   W.  GROSS, 

Texas. 
N.   G.  SECRETARY. 


SECOND    EPOCH.  49 

INDIANAPOLIS,  July  i,  1880. 

In  pursuance  to  call,  the  National  Grand  Lodge  convened 
in  regular  biennial  session  at  the  U.  B.  F.  Hall,  corner  of 
Delaware  and  Court  streets. 

The  Grand  Lodge  was  called  to  order  at  12  o'clock  M.  by 
D.N.G.M.  A.  W.  Kern,  of  Little  Rock,  Ark. 

The  stations  were  filled  as  follows :  T.  S.  Baxter,  D.  N. 
G.  M.,  pro  tern;  E.  F.  Horn,  N.  G.  S.  ;  E.  W.  Marshall, 
A.  N.  G.  S.  ;  J.  S.  McLeod,  2d  A.  N.  G.  S.  ;  J.  W.  Hill- 
man,  N.  G.  T.  ;  Fred.  D.  Morton,  N.  G.  L.  ;  B.  Gary,  N. 
G.  G.  ;  G.  Asbury  and  J.  H.  Rector,  N.  G.  T.  ;  A.  Walters, 
N.  G.  M.  ;  F.  Washington,  R.  S.  ;  H.  W.  Washington,  L. 
S. ;  J.  T.  Amos,  L  S.,  and  W.  H.  Warley,  O.  S. 

Devotional  exercises  by  Grand  Chaplain. 

T.  P.  Pool,  of  the  Committee  on  Reception,  delivered 
the  welcome  address. 

Response  by  Rev.  Wyatt  Scott,  of  St.  Louis.  Mo. 

National  Grand  Master  W.  H.  Gibson  being  detained, 
on  motion  the  Committee  of  Arrangements  met  him  at  the 
evening  train  with  carriages  and  music. 

JULY   2,    l88o — SECOND    DAY'S    SESSION. 

National  Grand  Master  W.  H.  Gibson  was  received  with 
the  honors  of  the  Order  and  proceeded  to  make  his  biennial 
report,  as  follows  : 

ADDRESS  OF  THE  NATIONAL  GRAND  MASTER. 

Bretliren  of  the  National  Grand  Lodge  of  the  United  Brothers 
of  Friendship : 

The  work  of  the  Second  Biennial  Session  being  closed,  I 
now  submit  for  your  consideration  the  subjoined  report;  and 
as  a  preliminary,  allow  me  to  say  that,  through  the  dispensa- 

4 


50  UNITED    BROTHERS    OF    FRIENDSHIP. 

tion  of  Divine  Providence,  we  are  permitted  to  meet  again 
and  extend  the  greetings  of  friendship,  and  can  say  that  "all 
is  well,"  although  we  can  not  say  that  "  we  are  all  here." 

We  have  been  caused  to  mourn  the  death  of  two  familiar 
faces;  faces  dear  to  our  memory  in  consequence  of  past  as 
sociations;  faces  imprinted  on  the  hearts  of  the  Brotherhood 
on  account  of  their  great  zeal  in  promoting  the  welfare  of 
the  Order.  I  speak  of  Bros.  Jones,  Grand  Master  of  Mis 
souri,  and  S.  M.  Todd,  Grand  Master  of  Texas.  May  we 
sincerely  say,  "Brothers,  rest  in  peace;  you  have  fought  a 
good  fight,  and  have  been  conquerors — go  up  higher." 

Now  let  us  examine  the  work  of  the  last  two  years  and 
carefully  note  the  result  of  this  labor.  At  the  adjournment 
of  our  last  Grand  Session  we  launched  out  upon  the  sea  of 
onerous  duties  assigned  to  our  hands.  New  laws,  regula- 
lations,  and  degrees  for  both  male  and  female  were  to  be 
disseminated  throughout  our  jurisdiction.  With  the  assist 
ance  of  our  several  Grand  Officers  we  have,  to  a  reasonable 
extent,  been  successful  in  advancing  our  cause.  Our  first 
duty  was  to  co-operate  with  the  Committee  on  Knighthood, 
whose  chairman  was  Bro.  E.  W.  S.  Hammond.  They 
received  the  hearty  approval  of  the  Brotherhood  upon  the 
completion  of  the  great  work  entrusted  to  them. 

The  Committee  on  Second  Degree  work  for  the  Ladies' 
Temple,  whose  chairman  was  J.  H.  Rector,  performed  their 
work  with  that  degree  of  perfection  which  reflects  credit  and 
demands  commendation  toward  its  originators. 

The  work  of  these  committees  was  printed  and  delivered 
to  the  National  Grand  Secretary  for  distribution. 

The  proceeds  derived  from  the  sale  of  minutes,  degree 
books,  rituals,  etc.,  were  to  be  appropriated  as  a  special 
fund  to  be  used  for  the  purpose  of  defraying  the  expenses  of 
the  National  Grand  Lodge. 

The  Knighthood  has  been  established  upon  a  firm  foun 
dation,  and  bids  fair  to  rival  that  of  the  most  advanced  of 
the  older  secret  orders,  and  is  bringing  hundreds  of  good 
men  to  the  lodges  of  this  Brotherhood. 

By  persistent  efforts  we  have  succeeded,  and  now  pre 
sent  to  this  Order  a  complete  outfit.  Our  tactics  have  been 


SECOND    EPOCH.  51 

arranged  according  to  the  best  methods,   and  are  now  in 
possession  of  the  several  camps. 

Our  lodges  and  temples  throughout  the  several  States 
have  been  visited  officially  by  the  Grand  Masters  and  Grand 
Lecturers,  and  they  report  rapid  progress.  Hundreds  have 
been  added  to  the  Order  in  its  several  branches,  and,  as  a 
result,  we  find  necessity  for  more  legislation  upon  many 
articles  in  our  Constitution  One  of  the  greatest  needs  I 
find  to  be  an  equitable  system  of  insurance.  We  expect  to 
hear  a  report  from  the  Committee  on  Plans  of  Insurance — a 
a  report  that  will  meet  the  end  sought. 

The  Sisterhood,  a  branch  of  our  Order  of  which  we  are 
proud,  has  grown  to  such  magnitude  and  excellence  that 
additional  and  broader  laws  are  needed  to  meet  their  require 
ments.  The  ladies'  first  and  second  degrees,  in  our  opinion, 
are  sufficient  for  present  use,  and  they  meet  all  purposes. 
We  would  simply  recommend  a  change  in  the  sign  of  the 
second  degree. 

An  organ  to  promulgate  the  interest  of  the  Order  is  much 
needed.  Our  worthy  deceased  Brother,  S.  M.  Todd,  may 
justly  be  considered  the  pioneer  of  this  work,  and  we  refer 
with  pride  to  his  effort  in  this  direction.  By  his  death,  we 
not  only  lost  an  efficient  and  active  member,  but  an  able 
little  organ  in  defense  of  the  Order. 

In  September,  1879,  tne  Ohio  Falls  Express  made  its 
debut.  From  the  able  manner  in  which  it  is  edited,  coupled 
with  its  extensive  circulation,  it  has  at  once  taken  the  front 
rank  among  colored  newspapers.  It  is  considered  the  paper 
of  our  Order,  and  we  are  proud  to  say  that  the  editors  and 
proprietors,  Dr.  H.  Fitzbutler,  F.  D.  Morton,  T.  S.  Baxter, 
and  E.  W.  Marshall,  are  active  members  of  the  Order. 

Our  Age,  first  a  monthly,  but  now  a  weekly,  was  issued 
October,  1879,  our  National  Grand  Secretary,  E.  F.  Horn, 
being  its  editor  and  proprietor.  We  recommend  that  one  of 
these  papers  be  adopted  as  our  organ,  and  that  this  Order 
give  it  their  hearty  support. 

In  October,  1877,  we  appointed  Bro.  E.  W.  Marshall 
Assistant  National  Grand  Secretary.  He  has  distinguished 
himself  as  an  efficient  officer,  relieving  the  National  Grand 


52  UNITED    BROTHERS    OF    FRIENDSHIP. 

Secretary  of  considerable  work,  and  he  has  proven  a  valua 
ble  acquisition  as  an  officer. 

VISITS. 

August  1 6,  1878 — By  a  special  invitation  we  visited  the 
lodges  and  temples  at  Huntsville,  Ala.,  the  occasion  being 
their  anniversary.  We  found  them  in  a  prosperous  condi 
tion,  with  many  of  the  leading  citizens'  names  enrolled  as 
members  and  officers.  We  .addressed  them,  lectured,  con 
ferred  degrees,  and  gave  such  instruction  as  was  generally 
required.  The  insurance  system  was  strongly  advocated, 
and  a  desire  generally  expressed  for  the  Grand  Lodge  to 
introduce  it. 

September  16,  1878 — Organized  and  installed  a  camp  at 
JefFersonville,  Ind. ,  assisted  by  S.  Kt.  E.  W.  S.  Hammond 
and  Grand  Master  Chas.  Asbury. 

October  n,  1878 — Visited  Carthagenia  Camp  No.  2. 

October  18,  1878 — Visited  Carthagenia  Camp  No.  2. 

November  21,  1878 — Organized  a  camp  at  Georgetown, 
Ky. ,  assisted  by  V.  Kt.  Lewis  Johnson,  K.  C.,  of  No.  i. 

'November   22,    1878 — Organized  a   camp   at   Frankfort, 
Ky.,  assisted  by  V.  Kt.  W.  L.  Johnson,  K.  C.,  of  No.  i. 

December  31,  1878 — Conference  with  J.  H.  Rector,  N.  J. 
K.  C.,  of  Missouri,  on  the  uniform  of  the  Order.  (Sample 
copies  exhibited.) 

December  5,  1878 — Initiated  candidates  for  Deborah 
Temple  No.  28. 

December  12,  1878 — Installed  officers  for  St.  Matthews 
Lodge. 

December  18,  1878— Visited  Falls  City  Lodge. 

January  18,  1879 — Installed  officers  for  Temple  No.  i, 
Louisville,  Ky. 

January  20,  1879 — Installed  officers  for  Friendship  Lodge 
No.  i,  Louisville,  Ky. 

January  21,  1879 — Visited  Carthagenia  Camp  No.  2, 
Louisville,  Ky. 

January  28,  1879 — Visited  New  Albany,  Ind.,  and  in 
stalled  officers  for  St.  Luke  Lodge. 


SECOND    EPOCH.  53 

February  13,  1879 — Visited  New  Albany,  Ind.,  lectured 
and  installed  officers  for  Temple  No;  i. 

February  21,  1879 — Visited  Camps  Nos.  i  and  2,  Louis 
ville,  Ky. ,  and  lectured  on  Knighthood. 

March  5,  1879 — Installed  officers  for  Deborah  Temple 
No.  28,  Louisville,  Ky. 

March  18,  1879 — Visited  Temple  No.    i,  Louisville,  Ky. 

April  5,  1879 — Visited  Garrison  Camp  No.  i. 

May  1 6,  1879 — Visited  Chicago,  111.  Organized  in  the 
afternoon  of  that  day  a  temple  of  thirty-five  members,  and 
at  night  a  lodge  of  twenty-five  members. 

May  20,  1879 — Visited  Carthagenia  No.  50. 

June  6,  1879 — Visited  St.  Rose  Temple  No.  17,  Louis 
ville,  Ky. 

June  10,  1879 — Visited  Temple  No.  4,  Louisville,  Ky. 

June  1 6,  1879 — Delivered  an  address  to  Temple  No.  4 
at  Twelfth-street  Z.  A.  M.  E.  Church;  a  union  meeting  of 
the  temples. 

July  9,  1879 — Visited  a  mass  meeting  of  Ladies'  Temples. 

July  10,  1879 — Installed  officers  for  temple  at  Nevr 
Albany,  Ind. 

July  25,  1879 — Visited  Hannibal  Camp,  Jeffersonville, 
Ind. 

August  n,  1879 — Visited  Union  Anniversary  of  Ladies' 
Temple,  Louisville,  Ky. 

August  12,  1979 — Visited  Grand  Lodge  of  Indiana. 

August  13,  1879 — Visited  Carthagenia  Camp  No.  2. 

August  1 6,  1879 — Attended  Charity  Lodge  Anniversary, 
Frankfort,  Ky. 

August  1 8,  1879 — Called  a  special  session  of  the  Grand 
Camp  at  Cincinnati,  O.  ;  knighted  forty-seven. 

August  19,  1879 — Banner  presentation,  Smith  Lodge 
No.  i,  Cincinnati,  O. 

August  20,  1879 — Special  session  Grand  Camp,  Cincin 
nati,  O. ;  Knighted  thirty. 

September  n,  1879 — Left  Louisville  for  Shreveport,  La. ; 
arrived  i5th. 

September  15,  16,  17,  18,  19,  20,  1879 — Remained  at 
Shreveport;  assisted  by  Grand  Master  S.  M.  Todd,  of  Texas, 


54  UNITED    BROTHERS    OF    FRIENDSHIP. 

organized  a  camp,  conferred  first,  second,  and  third  degrees, 
lectured,  attended  anniversary  of  lodge  and  temple  and 
parade  of  the  Order. 

September  22,  1879 — Visited  St.  Louis,  Mo. ;  met  the 
brothers  and  sisters  in  mass  ;  had  a  pleasant  interchange  of 
sentiment;  escorted  to  a  grand  entertainment  given  by  the 
G.  U.  O.  O.  F. 

September  23,  1879 — Visited  Evansville,  Ind.  ;  Knighted 
twenty-three,  organized  and  installed  the  officers. 

September  24,  1879 — Visited  Covington,  Ky.,  organized 
David  Camp  No.  6,  and  installed  the  officers. 

September  26,  1879 — Visited  Cincinnati,  O.,  organized 
and  installed  the  officers  of  Belle  Camp. 

October  6,  1870 — Visited  Garrison  No.  i. 

October  22,  1879 — Received  a  dispatch  of  sad  intelligence 
of  the  death  of  S.  M.  Todd,  Grand  Master  of  Texas. 

October  30,  1879 — Met  Committee  on  Camp  Tactics  and 
completed  the  work. 

November  8,  1879 — Met  mass  meeting  of  U.  B.  F. 
lodges,  Louisville,  Ky. 

November  18,  1879 — Visited  Zion  Temple  No.  i. 

December  9,  1879 — Visited  Temple  No.  4,  Louisville,  Ky. 

December  10,  1879 — Visited  Garrison  No.  i. 

January  5,  1880 — Installed  officers  for  St.  James  Lodge 
and  St.  Mary's  Temple,  Louisville,  Ky. 

January  16,  1880 — Installed  officers  for  St.  Peter's  Lodge 
No.  22. 

January  13,  1880 — Installed  officers  for  Star  of  the  West 
Temple  No.  13,  Sister  Vina  Harris,  Princess;  presented  with 
a  sword  by  the  officers,  which  was  the  first  sword  made  for 
the  Order  of  K.  of  F. 

February  18,  1880 — Visited  Garrison  No.  i. 

February  27,  1880 — Visited  Star  of  the  West  Temple  No. 

T3- 

March  3,  1880 — Installed  officers  for  Deborah  Temple  No. 
28,  and  initiated;  installed  officers  for  Garrison  Camp  No.  i. 

March  19,  1880 — Visited  Chicago,  111.,  and  organized  a 
temple  of  seventy-three  members. 

May  29,  1880 — Visited  Indianapolis,  Ind. 


SECOND    EPOCH.  55 

The  closing  scenes  of  this  National  Grand  Lodge  relieved 
us  of  a  series  of  duties  that  had  devolved  upon  us  for  twelve 
years  or  more,  from  secretary  of  a  subordinate  lodge  to  Grand 
Master  of  State  and  National  Grand  Master.  We  were  grat 
ified  to  know  that  we  had  the  applause  of  the  Order,  and  that 
we  had  been  faithful  in  the  performance  of  our  duties ;  our 
financial  affairs  had  been  scrupulously  observed,  and  every 
thing  accounted  for  in  our  dealings  with  the  different  depart 
ments.  In  their  complimentary  resolutions  we  had  conferred 
upon  us  the  title  of  Honorary  Membership  in  the  Order  of 
the  United  Brothers  of  Friendship,  which  shall  ever  be  ap 
preciated. 

Though  relieved  of  a  great  responsibility,  we  had  premo 
nitions  of  something  greater  weighing  upon  us.  Three  days 
after  adjournment,  we  were  caused  to  mourn  the  loss  of  our 
beloved  companion,  suddenly  taken  off  by  heart  trouble. 
Her  counsel  had  been  of  the  greatest  service  to  us  in  matters 
pertaining  to  the  management  of  our  affairs.  She  was  one 
of  the  early  regalia  makers,  and  many  members  patronized 
her  for  her  neatness  and  promptness  in  her  work.  We  have 
lost  a  loving  wife  and  Christian  mother.  Six  children  mourn 
her  loss.  Our  prayer  to  God  is  that  they  may  copy  her 
Christian  example,  and  endeavor  to  meet  her  in  that  "  house 
not  made  with  hands,  eternal  in  the  heavens." 

The  grand  parade  by  the  Order  was  witnessed  by  thou 
sands  of  citizens  and  visitors  from  the  surrounding  country. 
The  first  competitive  drill  between  our  Knighthood  took 
place  at  the  Fair  Grounds.  Three  camps,  Belle,  of  Cincin 
nati,  O.,  David,  of  Covington,  Ky.,  and  Garrison,  of  Louis 
ville,  Ky.,  entered.  The  drill  was  contested  by  Belle  and 
Garrison,  Belle  being  the  winner  of  the  prize,  a  sword,  the 
first  ever  made  for  a  colored  organization.  They  retained  it 


56  UNITED    BROTHERS    OF    FRIENDSHIP. 

until  the  sitting  of  the  National  Grand  Camp  at  Louisville, 
Ky. ,  1892,  when  it  was  presented  to  the  original  owner, 
P.N.G.C.  W.  H.  Gibson,  Sr.,  by  Wm.  Smith,  P.  G.  M., 
representing  Belle  Camp,  Cincinnati,  O. 

CHAPTER  VIII. 

TEMPLE    WORK. 

The  establishment  of  temples  among  the  female  portion 
of  our  families  and  other  well  disposed  females  has  worked  a 
great  revolution  in  the  communities  wherever  established. 
Our  first  effort  of  organizing  after  we  returned  from  St.  Louis 
was  here  in  the  city  of  Louisville.  One  of  the  oldest  female 
benevolent  societies,  after  learning  of  our  intentions,  peti 
tioned  us  and  reorganized  under  our  charter,  Sister  Polly 
Mosby  first  Princess.  Others  soon  followed,  and  the  result 
in  our  city  is  twelve  temples,  and  in  other  portions  of  the 
State  equally  as  many.  We  have  also  established  two  tem 
ples  in  Indianapolis,  Ind. ,  two  in  New  Albany,  Ind.,  one  in 
Jeffersonville,  Ind.,  and  one  in  Huntsville,  Ala.;  and  we 
have  visited  and  instructed  others.  The  membership  of 
these  temples  are  yet  increasing.  Some  of  them  are  pre 
sided  over  by  women  of  marked  ability  for  government, 
while  others  have  shown  weakness;  but  with  the  code  of 
laws  put  into  their  hands  for  their  guidance  and  a  council 
for  appealed  cases,  all  things  considered,  it  has  been  a  suc 
cess.  Thousands  of  women  have  been  gathered  into  the 
folds  of  the  society  that  otherwise  would  have  been  left  to 
wander  unprotected  through  the  world  without  a  brother's 
care.  Hence,  we  have  advised  this  convention  of  ladies  of 
the  time  of  our  National  meeting  so  that  we  might  become 
acquainted  as  a  family,  and  that  the  Brotherhood  and  Sister- 


Miss  C.  E.  SCULL, 

Texas. 
N.  G.  SEC.  S.  M.  T. 


MRS.  G.  A.  HENDERSON, 

Nashville,  Tenn. 
N.  G.  P. 


SECOND    EPOCH.  57 

hood  of.  the  different  States  might  be  brought  face  to  face 
and  our  several  wants  and  necessities  made  known  more 
successfully  than  by  correspondence. 

The  code  of  laws  governing  the  female  part  of  our  Order 
was  delayed  and  was  not  issued  for  at  least  six  months  after 
the  minutes  and  degree  books  were  out.  Our  apology  for 
this  is  that  we  had  the  manuscript  ready  in  part,  but  had  not 
the  means  to  pay  the  printer,  and  as  we  deemed  the  degree 
books  of  the  greatest  importance  to  the  Order  we  attended 
to  them  first.  We  succeeded  in  having  them  printed  and 
distributed,  and  but  a  few  copies  remain ;  we  would  rec 
ommend  that  the  Committee  on  Constitution  and  By-laws 
revise  and  have  a  new  edition  published. 

The  number  of  male  members  of  a  temple  is  limited  to 
three.  We  have  carefully  watched  the  workings  of  that  por 
tion  of  the  system,  and  it  is  our  opinion  that  three  are  suffi 
cient,  for  the  reason  that  we  have  a  male  department  where 
gentlemen  can  exercise  their  love  for  the  Order  without 
intruding  upon  the  ladies,  and  those  three  are  only  there  for 
a  specific  purpose. 

THE    FIRST    CONVENTION    OF    THE    TEMPLES    OF    THE  U.    B.    F. 

The  first  Convention  of  the  Ladies'  Temple  convened  in 
Quinn  Chapel  A.  M.  E.  Church,  Walnut  Street,  in  1878, 
as  no  hall  could  be  obtained  of  suitable  capacity  to  accom 
modate  the  great  number  of  sister  delegates  present. 

Bro.  J.  T.  Amos,  Deputy  National  Grand  Master,  called 
the  Convention  to  order,  followed  by  the  appointment  of 
Rev.  A.  Walters,  of  Indiana,  to  act  as  Chaplain. 

Hymn  "Jesus,  Great  Shepherd,"  was  sung,  Mrs.  Mary 
V.  Smith  presiding  as  organist. 

The  first  chapter  of  Esther  was  selected  for  the  scripture 
lesson. 


58  UNITED    BROTHERS    OF    FRIENDSHIP. 

The  welcome  address  was  delivered  by  W.  H.  Gibson, 
National  Grand  Master. 

Secretaries — Rev.  E.  W.  S.  Hammond  and  Sister  Mar 
garet  Finley,  of  Evansville,  Ind. 

Committee  on  Credentials — Sisters  Laura  Hamilton,  Ken 
tucky;  Sarah  F.  Hart,  Indiana;  P.  White,  Illinois;  J.  H. 

Taylor,  Tennessee;  Owsley,  Missouri;  Patsie  Waddy, 

Arkansas;  L.  Taylor,  Louisiana;  O.  Thomas,  Texas;  J.  H. 
Rector,  Missouri,  at  large. 

During  the  absence  of  the  Committee  the  Convention 
was  addressed  by  the  following  brethren  :  Charles  Asbury, 
J.  T.  Amos,  A.  Walters,  Sister  P.  Hart,  —  Allen,  Indiana ; 
C.  H.  Tandy,  O.  H.  Webb,  Missouri;  R.  Nichols,  S.  M. 
Todd,  Texas;  A.  W.  Kern,  Arkansas;  J.  H.  Taylor,  Ken 
tucky;  M.  Finley,  —  White,  and  Rev.  E.  W.  S.  Hammond. 

The  Committee  on  Credentials  returned  delegates  from 
the  following  temples:  (For  names  of  delegates  see  min 
utes).  Chapman  No.  19,  Star  of  the  West  No.  13,  Tallevate 
No.  7,  St.  Martin  No.  8,  Esther  No.  4,  St.  Rose  No.  17, 
Zion  No.  i,  Zion  No.  20,  Temple  No.  27,  Deborah  No.  28, 
St.  Mary  No.  35,  South  Carrollton  No.  39,  Eastern  Star  No. 
2i,  Mary  Magdalene  No.  33,  Queen  Esther  No.  24,  Union  No. 
n,  Good  Shepherdess  No.  16,  Rebecca  No.  31,  Rutt  No.  22, 
Covington  No.  6,  United  Sisters  of  Friendship  No.  4,  Venus 
Star  No.  37,  Star  No.  18,  St.  Mary  No.  2,  Olive  Branch  No. 
29,  Star  of  Esther  No.  30,  Star  of  Carthage  No.  9,  Adelia  No. 
36,  Grace  No.  42,  St.  Francis  No.  10,  Kentucky;  Mexico 
No.  i,  Boonville  No.  2,  Friendship  No.  29,  Elizabeth  No. 
3,  Rockport  No.  4,  Hannibal  No.  4,  Scott  No.  15,  Missouri; 
St.  Mary's  No.  2,  Deborah  No.  3,  Golden  Rule  No.  4,  Mt. 
Carmel  No.  i,  Star  No.  6,  St.  Mary  No.  7,  Golden  No.  5, 
Star  of  Esther  No.  30,  Indiana;  St.  Paul  No.  i,  Arkansas. 


SECOND    EPOCH.  59 

SPECIAL    COMMITTEE    MEETING    AT    NINTH    AND    MARKET 
STREETS,     HALL    OF    U.     B.     F. 

Pursuant  to  a  call  the  Ladies'  Temples  of  the  city  of  Lou 
isville  met  in  mass  convention  in  the  brothers'  hall,  at  4 
o'clock  P.  M.,  W.  H.  Gibson,  National  Grand  Master,  pre 
siding,  J.  H.  Rector,  Past  Deputy  National  Grand  Master, 
and  the  present  and  past  officers  being  present.  J.  S.  Mc- 
Leod  was  appointed  Secretary. 

The  object  of  the  meeting  was  stated  by  the  chairman, 
which  was  to  instruct  the  sisters  in  the  work,  and  confer 
upon  them  the  second  degree,  by  the  authority  of  the  Na 
tional  Grand  Lodge. 

Sister  J.  H.  Taylor  was  chosen  by  the  National  Grand 
Master  to  take  the  chair  as  Most  Worthy  Princess,  to  open 
the  temple,  to  exemplify  and  make  uniform  the  existing 
work,  in  order  that  differences  might  be  compared,  which 
was  done,  after  the  necessary  officers  were  appointed.  The 
work  was  commended  by  the  National  Grand  Master,  and 
Bro.  J.  H.  Rector,  of  Missouri,  was  requested  to  give  the 
opening  ceremonies  of  Missouri  Temples,  which  he  did,  and 
was  also  commended  by  the  National  Grand  Master,  who 
stated  that  the  few  technical  differences  could  be  readily 
reconciled. 

Rev.  E.  W.  S.  Hammonds  and  F.  D.  Morton  addressed 
the  ladies  on  the  present  condition  and  possible  future  of 
the  organization.  Their  remarks  were  very  impressive  and 
well  received. 

Sister  Vina  Harris,  M.  W.  P.,  of  Western  Star  Temple; 
Sister  J.  H.  Taylor,  M.  W.  P.,  of  Temple  No.  16;  Sister  Tal- 
bot,  M.  W.  P.,  of  Temple  No.  25;  Sister  Gaddy,  of  Temple 
No.  28,  made  short  and  pointed  addresses,  assuring  the 
brethren  of  their  continued  sisterly  confidence  and  regard. 


60  UNITED    HROTHERS    OF    FRIENDSHIP. 

Thus  closed  the  First  Grand  Session  of  the  Sisters  of  the 
Mysterious  Ten  (U.  B.  F.),  with  forty-six  temples  repre 
sented  and  ninety-two  delegates  and  visiting  sisters  from  all 
the  city  temples. 

The  ladies  were  entertained  with  a  Kentucky  hospitality 
such  as  is  common  to  Kentuckians. 

Indianapolis  was  named  for  the  next  assembly. 

The  Temple  Sisters  gave  a  picnic  at  Central  Park,  and  a 
grand  review  was  held  by  the  National  Grand  Officers,  which 
was  witnessed  by  a  large  concourse  of  citizens. 

SECOND    NATIONAL    CONVENTION   OF  THE    SISTERS,   AT   INDIAN 
APOLIS,    JULY    17,     1880. 

The  Second  Session  of  the  Sisters  of  the  Mysterious  Ten 
was  largely  attended,  business  of  importance  transacted — 
ritualistic  work,  conferring  degrees,  and  lectures  in  the  new 
work.  Sisters  Hart,  Finley,  Robert,  and  Hamilton  dis 
tinguished  themselves  as  proficients  in  their  offices.  The 
ladies  accompanied  the  parade  in  carriages.  The  banquet 
at  the  Exposition  building  was  tastefully  prepared  and  the 
guests  had  a  very  enjoyable  time. 

CHAPTER  IX. 

INSURANCE    OR    MUTUAL    AID    DEPARTMENT. 

The  necessity  of  an  insurance  department  connected  with 
the  Order  had  been  discussed  at  every  general  meeting  since 
the  organization  of  the  Kentucky  State  Grand  Lodge,  and 
various  forms  had  been  suggested.  The  National  Grand 
Master  had  recommended  it  in  all  of  his  reports.  At  this 
session  of  the  National  Grand  Lodge  Bro.  F.  D.  Morton,  of 
the  Standing  Committee,  offered  a  plan  thought  to  be  plain 
and  feasible. 


MRS.  CELIA  WRIGHT, 

Cincinnati,  O. 


MRS.  M.  E.  WHITLOW, 

Cincinnati,  O. 


SECOND    EPOCH.  6 I 

On  motion  of  J.  H.  Rector,  of  Missouri,  the  matter  of 
insurance  was  placed  in  the  hands  of  a  special  committee, 
composed  of  Bros.  Morton,  Lawson,  Baxter,  Gibson,  and 
Fitzbutler.  The  committee  drafted  a  constitution,  naming 
Louisville,  Ky.,  as  its  headquarters.  An  act  of  incorpora 
tion  was  obtained,  the  incorporators  being  F.  D.  Morton, 
Esq.,  W.  H.  Lawson,  Esq.,  and  Dr.  H.  Fitzbutler. 

Board  of  Management — F.  D.  Morton,  President;  W.  H. 
Lawson,  Vice  President;  W.  H.  Gibson,  Treasurer;  Dr.  H. 
Fitzbutler,  Secretary;  T.  S.  Baxter,  Assistant  Secretary. 

The  management  issued  policies  to  the  membership  and 
a  very  bright  prospect  loomed  up  before  us  for  two  years. 
Our  report  at  the  Cincinnati  meeting  of  the  National  Grand 
Lodge  was  encouraging,  but  in  the  third  year  a  difficulty  be 
tween  the  secretary  and  policy-holders  caused  consider 
able  confusion,  and  in  consequence  of  this  our  progress 
was  somewhat  impeded.  A  change  of  officers  was  the  result 
of  this  affair.  For  one  year  we  were  endeavoring  to  settle 
the  difficulty.  At  the  National  Grand  Lodge  at  Galveston  a 
review  of  the  matter  was  placed  in  charge  of  a  committee 
and  properly  adjusted,  and  the  management  placed  in  the 
hands  of  the  following  officers:  W.  H.  Gibson,  President; 
W.  T.  Peyton,  Secretary;  J.  W.  Hillman,  Treasurer,  with 
power  to  appoint  sub-committees  in  the  several  States  to  act 
as  agents.  A  new  impetus  was  given  to  the  Mutual  Aid  As 
sociation,  a  number  of  new  policies  issued,  and  a  consider 
able  sum  paid  to  deceased  members. 

For  four  years  the  management  of  the  Mutual  Aid  depart 
ment  was  conducted  by  the  above  named  officers.  Their 
biennial  reports  were  submitted,  and  received  the  approval 
of  the  Order.  There  were  no  deficiences  during  their  term 
of  office.  There  was  a  marked  improvement,  new  policies 
being  issued,  and  the  assessments  of  old  claimants  met. 


62  UNITED    BROTHERS    OF    FRIENDSHIP. 

At  the  session  held  at  St.  Louis,  Mo.,  July,  1888,  a  new 
management  was  elected  as  follows :  Dr.  Burney,  of  New 
Albany,  Ind.,  President;  E.  W.  Marshall,  of  Louisville, 
Ky.,  Secretary;  — French,  of  Louisville,  Ky.,  Treasurer. 

[NOTE — The  State  Mutual  Aid  Insurance  seems  to  be  superseding 
the  National.  They  take  up  less  territory,  and  are  better  managed. 
The  reports  of  several  States  are  quite  an  improvement  on  the  former 
plan,  and  as  soon  as  every  member  of  the  Order  is  enrolled  on  the 
insurance  plan,  and  policies  obtained,  the  results  will  be  such  as  will 
make  our  Order  all  that  the  most  sanguine  could  wish,  and  the  relief 
to  our  dependent  families  will  be  an  hundred  fold.] 


CHAPTER  X. 

ORGANIZATION    OF    THE    GRAND    AND    SUBORDINATE    CAMPS. 

FRIDAY,  July  5,  1878. 

At  this  session  of  the  National  Grand  Lodge  the  following 
resolution  was  offered  by  C.  H.  Tandy  and  R.  C.  Fox : 

Resolved,  That  we  recommend  the  establishing  of  the 
Knights  of  Friendship  in  all  States  composing  the  National 
compact  of  the  United  Brothers  of  Friendship. 

By  A.  Walters  and  Chas.  Asbury,  as  a  substitute  for  the 
resolution  of  C.  H.  Tandy  and  R.  C.  Fox: 

WHEREAS,  As  there  is  a  Brotherhood  of  Knights  of 
Friendship  in  the  city  of  St.  Louis,  recognized  by  said  State 
Grand  Lodge  as  such ;  and 

WHEREAS,  The  other  Grand  Lodges  are  not  aware  of  the 
fact  that  the  National  Grand  Lodge  has  not  acknowledged  it 
as  such ;  be  it 

Resolved,  That  this  Grand  Lodge  approve  it  as  being  of  a 
higher  degree  of  United  Brothers  of  Friendship,  and  that  the 
National  Grand  Lodge  do  recognize  the  Knights  of  Friendship 
of  Missouri  as  the  fourth  degree  of  United  Brothers  of  Friend 
ship. 


SECOND    EPOCH.  63 

Resolved,  That  the  said  degree  of  Knight  be  given  to  the 
Grand  Master  of  each  and  every  State,  and  that  he  be  in 
structed  to  give  the  same  to  subordinate  Masters  under  his 
jurisdiction. 

The  resolutions  were  tabled  by  a  vote  of  fifty-one  to  five. 
By  Dr.  H.  Fitzbutler  : 

Resolved,  That  this  National  Grand  Lodge  do  hereby 
establish  the  degree  of  "  Knights  of  Friendship"  as  the 
fourth  degree  of  the  Order,  and  recommend  the  same  to  the 
subordinate  lodges  of  the  United  Brothers  of  Friendship 
throughout  the  jurisdiction  of  this  Order. 

Lost  by  substitution. 

By  Thos.  W.  Johnson,  of  Ohio,  as  a  substitute  for  the 
whole : 

Resolved,  That  a  committee  of  one  member  from  each 
State  here  represented  be  appointed  by  the  chair  to  compose 
or  generate  the  degree  of  Knighthood. 

Adopted,  and  the  following  committee  appointed  : 

Knights  Degree — Chas.  Asbury,  Chairman;  J.  H.  Tay 
lor,  J.  H.  Jones,  R.  Toney,  S.  Johnson,  A.  W.  Kern,  S. 
M.  Todd,  E.  W.  S.  Hammond,  R.  Christian,  J.  H.  Rector, 
and  F.  Washington. 

The  degree,  as  composed  or  generated  by  said  committee, 
was  conferred  on  the  delegates  gratis  at  9  o'clock  p.  M., 
July  5,  1878. 

TUESDAY,  July  9,  1878. 

A  meeting  of  the  select  committee  appointed  by  the 
National  Grand  Lodge  was  held  at  the  hall  on  the  corner  of 
Ninth  and  Market  streets  for  the  purpose  of  electing  officers 
preparatory  to  the  organization  of  a  National  Grand  Camp, 
Knights  of  Friendship.  W.  H.  Gibson  was  elected  Chair- 


64  UNITED    BROTHERS    OF    FRIENDSHIP. 

man  of  the  preliminary  meeting  with  J.  S.  McLeod  as  Sec 
retary. 

Nominations  for  office  of  National  Knight  Commander 
being  next  in  order,  W.  H.  Gibson,  E.  W.  Hammond,  and 
J.  H.  Rector  were  nominated.  W.  H.  Gibson  was  elected 
on  the  third  ballot,  and,  on  motion,  his  election  was  made 
unanimous. 

The  following  officers  were  elected :  E.  W.  S.  Ham 
mond,  N.  G.  S.  K.  C. ;  J.  H.  Rector,  N.  G.  J.  K.  C.  ; 
J.  S.  McLeod,  N.  G.  K.  R. ;  J.  W.  Hillman,  N.  G.  K.  W.  ;  S. 
M.  Todd,  N.  G.  K.  C.  of  G.  ;  R.  C.  Fox,  ist  N.  G.  K.  G.  ; 
F.  D.  Morton,  2d  N.  G.  K.  G.  ;  Chas.  Bartlett,  N.  G.  K. 
D. ;  J.  H.  Taylor,  N.  G.  K.  P. 

The  National  Grand  Camp  being  properly  organized,  the 
officers-elect  were  installed  and  camp  opened  in  due  form 
with  a  solemn  and  impressive  ceremony. 

Resolutions  offered : 

Resolved,  That  the  N.  G.  K.  C.,  N.  G.  S.  K.  C.,  and 
N.  G.  J.  K.  C.  shall  be  empowered  to  grant  a  warrant  to 
open  a  camp  of  Knights  of  Friendship  to  any  ten  members 
of  the  United  Brothers  of  Friendship  having  the  third  degree, 
and  being  in  good  standing,  on  their  petition  and  the  recom 
mendation  of  the  Master  and  Secretary,  with  the  seal  of  the 
lodge  affixed. 

Resolved,  That  the  aforesaid  officers  of  the  National  Grand 
Camp  are  hereby  authorized  to  agree  upon  and  have  printed 
blank  warrants,  with  the  proper  emblems  thereon,  and  the 
fee  for  issuing  said  warrants  shall  be  $5,  which  shall  be  paid 
into  the  National  Grand  Treasury. 

Resolved,  That  all  past  and  present  officers  of  the  National 
Grand  Lodge  U.  B.  F.  shall  be  entitled  to  admission  as  mem 
bers  of  the  National  Grand  Camp  of  Knights  of  Friendship 
on  payment  of  three  (3)  dollars  membership  fee. 

Resolved,  That  all  members  of  this  National  Grand  Camp, 
while  in  good  standing,  shall  be  considered  honorary  mem- 


J.   MONTGOMERY, 

Kentucky. 
P.  N.  G.  C. 


W.   H.  GIBSON,  JR., 

Louisville,  Ky. 
P.   G.    SECRETARY. 


SECOND    EPOCH.  65 

bers  of  all  subordinate  camps  established  by  its  authority  and 
under  its  jurisdiction. 

The  Degree  of  Knighthood  was  then  conferred  upon  the 
following  named  brethren,  and  they  were  declared  to  be 
knights  at  large  of  the  Order:  J.  Montgomery,  J.  T.  Hud 
son,  and  E.  W.  Marshall,  of  No.  i;  J.  Gaddy,  F.  H. 
Antle,  and  H.  W.  Lewis,  of  No.  12;  W.  Day  and  H.  C. 
Parker,  of  No.  21;  W.  H.  Jones  and  R.  Letcher,  of  No.  22; 
L.  L.  Fox,  of  No.  32;  W.  L.  Johnson,  Stepney  Ray,  and 
G.  Murfrie,  of  No.  41 ;  Isaac  Curtis  and  T.  Thomas,  of  No. 
45;  W.  H.  Warley  and  M.  Green,  of  No.  47;  J.  W.  Sherley 
and  Wm.  Coleman,  of  No.  50;  C.  S.  Jackson,  of  No.  52; 
G.  Hood  and  A.  Slaughter,  of  No.  54. 

[NOTE — The  introduction  of  this  degree  into  the  Order,  with  its 
splendid  uniform  and  drill  exercises,  gave  to  the  young  men  of  the 
Order  new  vigor,  life,  and  animation.  It  has  added  very  consider 
ably  to  our  processions  and  grand  street  parades,  and  the  competitive 
drills  have  won  the  applause  of  the  people  and  the  press.  The  most 
noted  camps  are  Garrison,  Belle,  and  David,  of  Kentucky.  The  Cap 
tain  General,  W.  Lewis  Johnson,  has  immortalized  himself  as  a  drill 
master.  The  camps  under  his  command  move  like  clock  work,  and 
many  are  the  trophies  won  from  the  Gulf  to  the  Lakes.] 


CHAPTER  XL 

STATE    GRAND    MASTERS    OF    KENTUCKY. 

L.  H.  Williams,  elected  August,  1876,  at  Louisville,  Ky. , 
successor  to  Grand  Master  W.  H.  Gibson,  Sr.  Grand  Mas 
ter  Williams  served  but  one  term.  He  was  a  bright  young 
man  and  promised  to  advance  the  interests  of  the  Order. 
His  first  step  was  to  resign  his  occupation  (a  blacksmith  by 
trade),  and  travel  as  an  organizer.  At  the  expiration  of  his 
term  the  Grand  Lodge  preferred  charges  against  him  and  he 
was  expelled  after  a  trial  of  several  days'  duration.  He 

5 


66  UNITED    BROTHERS    OF    FRIENDSHIP. 

finally  made  his  mark,  becoming  a  minister  of  the  gospel 
and  dying  beloved  and  respected  by  the  societies  and  the 
community  in  which  he  lived. 

T.  S.  Baxter,  successor  to  Grand  Master  Williams,  was 
elected  in  1877  at  Mt.  Sterling,  Ky.  Grand  Master  Baxter 
ranks  with  the  fathers  of  the  Order.  He  was  in  the  first 
State  Convention,  and  first  Grand  Secretary  for  Kentucky. 
He  served  four  successive  terms  and  organized  many  lodges 
and  temples  in  this  State  and  Tennessee.  He  has  made 
many  sacrifices  for  the  interest  of  the  Order,  and  has  held 
many  positions  in  State  and  National  assemblies  with  profit 
and  credit. 

W.  H.  Lawson,  successor  to  Grand  Master  Baxter,  was 
elected  in  1882  and  served  two  terms.  Grand  Master  Law- 
son's  fame  has  gone  abroad  as  one  of  the  fathers  and  organ 
izers  of  the  Order.  He  is  a  charter  member  and  a  gen 
eral  dispenser  of  U.  B.  F.  literature.  He  has  served  in  all 
positions  of  importance,  and,  from  all  appearances,  is  des 
tined  to  be  of  considerable  service  to  the  Order  in  his  de 
clining  years. 

J.  W.  Woolfolk,  successor  to  Grand  Master  Lawson,  was 
elected  in  1885.  Grand  Master  Woolfork,  of  Frankfort,  Ky., 

ranks  with  the  early  and  earnest  workers.     He  served  

terms  and  traveled  extensively  throughout  the  State,  organiz 
ing  a  large  number  of  lodges  and  temples.  His  annual  re 
ports  show  executive  ability.  He  stands  at  the  head  of  the 
list  of  legislators,  as  many  of  our  laws  are  the  production  of 
his  brain.  He  is  the  author  of  our  code  of  laws — the  Digest. 
He  has  filled  many  important  positions  in  the  State  and 
National  meetings,  and  seldom  fails  to  be  present. 

E.    W.    Glass,    successor   to    Grand    Master    Woolfolk. 
Grand    Master    Glass'  administration    was  a  clean   one,    as 


SECOND    EPOCH.  67 

he  is  noted  for  his  business  qualities.  He  had  the  support 
of  his  Grand  Officers.  His  report  compares  favorably  with 
his  predecessors.  He  is  popular  as  a  politician,  having  been 
elected  jailer  of  his  county.  He  is  known  as  a  philanthro 
pist  in  his  vicinity,  and  by  his  influence  many  have  sought 
membership  in  our  Order. 

W.  A.  Gains,  of  Kentucky,  successor  to  Grand  Master 
Glass.  Grand  Master  Gains  ranks  among  the  popular  young 
men  of  the  Order.  He  has  made  a  successful  Grand  Officer, 
has  traveled  the  State  about  as  thoroughly  as  any  of  his  pre 
decessors,  and  has  wrought  the  lodges  and  temples  up  to 
great  proficiency  in  discipline  and  in  their  financial  rela 
tions.  To  his  effort,  be  it  said,  the  success  of  the  Orphans' 
Home,  thus  far,  is  attributed.  The  notes  were  due  and  no 
money  to  meet  them.  He  rallied  the  State,  and  Kentucky 
has  met  the  obligations,  otherwise  we  should  have  failed 
with  the  thousands  of  failures  that  have  occurred  during  the 
panic.  He  has  force  of  character,  and  seems  to  know  where 
and  when  to  strike  for  success.  His  general  deportment  is 
such  as  to  command  the  respect  of  all  true  brothers  and 
sisters  of  the  Order.  We  should  not  be  surprised  to  see  him 
occupy  the  National  chair  at  some  future  day.  His  term  of 
1894-95  has  been  one  of  many  perplexities,  but  he  seems  to 
be  equal  to  the  task. 

E.  W.  Marshall,  Secretary  of  the  State  of  Kentucky  and 
Past  Assistant  National  Secretary,  has  been  one  of  the  most 
conspicuous  officers  of  the  Grand  Lodge  for  years.  His  un 
tiring  zeal  and  honesty  and  prompt  attention  to  business  has 
endeared  him  to  the  entire  Order.  His  accounts  are  such 
as  will  always  bear  the  closest  scrutiny.  His  interest  and 
support  to  the  State  Grand  Master  in  the  Orphans'  Home 
affairs  command  the  admiration  of  the  membership  at  large. 


68  UNITED    BROTHERS    OF    FRIENDSHIP. 

The  following  eloquent  speakers  have  addressed  the  Order 
of  United  Brothers  of  Friendship,  of  Louisville,  Ky.  :  Hon. 
Peter  H.  Clark,  Rev.  Grafton  H.  Graham,  Rev.  Geo.  W. 
Bryant,  Hon.  Morris  Chester,  Rev.  E.  S.  W.  Hammond, 
Rev.  Lucket,  Rev.  Dr.  E.  Tyree,  Rev.  Dr.  J.  Abbey,  Rev. 
Anderson,  Rev.  J.  W.  Asbury. 

INDIANA. 

Grand  Master  Chas.  Asbury  was  one  of  the  promoters  of 
the  Order  in  the  southern  portion  of  this  State.  He  was  be 
loved  and  respected  by  the  members  of  the  lodges  and  tem 
ples.  He  was  elected  Grand  Master  continuously,  from 
year  to  year,  until  his  death.  His  loss  to  the  Order  will 
long  be  felt,  as  his  presence  in  the  National  Grand  Lodge 
was  always  pleasant. 

TENNESSEE. 

Grand  Master  P.  F.  Hill  stands  prominent  in  this  State 
as  an  organizer.  The  Order  received  many  accessions  dur 
ing  his  administration.  His  difficulty  with  the  National 
Grand  Master  caused  a  division  in  the  State,  but  the  Chicago 
meeting  restored  him,  and  he  stands  to-day  a  faithful  worker 
and  advocate  of  the  Order.  Our  progress  in  Mississippi, 
Kansas,  New  York,  and  a  portion  of  Alabama  is  due  largely 
to  his  untiring  efforts. 

Grand  Master  Wm.  Porter,  successor  to  P.  F.  Hill,  is 
really  the  hero  of  Tennessee.  He  has  the  force  of  character 
that  draws  men  to  him.  His  honesty  of  purpose  qualifies 
him  for  the  position  of  Grand  Master.  He  has  re-united  the 
scattering  forces  that  had  ceased  to  act  under  Bro.  Hill's 
supervision,  and  all  seem  now  to  be  moving  on  to  prosperity. 

The  Tenth  Annual  Session  of  the  Grand  Lodge  of  this 
State  has  clothed  itself  with  honor  and  credit  to  the  entire 


SECOND    EPOCH.  69 

Order.  It  being  the  Centennial  Year  of  the  State,  Grand 
Master  Hill  and  his  aids  have  mapped  out  a  plan  to  give  the 
United  Brothers  of  Friendship  a  prestige  that  will  immortal 
ize  the  Order  in  Tennessee  and  throughout  the  United  States 
as  a  colored  organization.  Financial  arrangements  by  con 
tributions  and  other  means  instituted  in  order  to  make  it  a 
success ;  headquarters  established  in  Nashville  for  six  months, 
also  a  reception  headquarters  for  the  United  Brothers  of 
Friendship  and  Sisters  of  the  Mysterious  Ten  from  every 
quarter  of  our  domain ;  a  Grand  Temple  for  the  State  or 
ganized;  an  endowment  fund  established;  a  committee  ap 
pointed  to  select  and  purchase  a  Widows  and  Orphans' 
Home.  This  programme,  successfully  executed,  will  make 
the  Order  in  Tennessee  excelsior.  J.  Thomas  Turner,  the 
ever  active  Grand  Secretary  and  Assistant  National  Grand 
Knight  Recorder,  and  Bros.  Hill  and  Porter,  form  a  trio 
from  which  we  shall  look  for  wonderful  results. 

MISSOURI. 

Past  Grand  Master  Tandy,  the  father  of  the  Order  in 
Missouri,  is  extensively  known  throughout  our  jurisdiction. 
He  has  given  much  time  and  attention  to  the  advancement 
and  building  up  of  the  Order.  He  has  been  a  conspicuous 
figure  in  all  of  her  councils,  both  State  and  National,  and 
was  our  first  Deputy  National  Grand  Master.  Missouri's 
history  is  incomplete  without  the  name  of  C.  H.  Tandy.  In 
the  First  National  Convention  of  the  United  Brothers  of 
Friendship  in  1875,  ne^  *n  tne  city  °f  Louisville,  Ky.,  he 
represented  his  State  and  did  much  toward  the  organization 
of  the  National  Grand  Lodge,  which  was  fully  established  in 
his  own  State  in  1876.  J.  H.  Rector,  his  colleague,  was 
also  an  active  worker  in  that  memorable  event. 


70  UNITED    BROTHERS    OF    FRIENDSHIP. 

Missouri  has  furnished  a  galaxy  of  stars  in  our  firmament : 
Bros.  Webb,  Jones,  and  Bartlett,  the  first  Grand  Masters, 
were  revered  by  the  Brotherhood.  Rev.  T.  H.  Phillips,  with 
his  burning  eloquence,  always  aroused  the  National  Grand 
Lodge  members  to  eulogistic  praise  and  applause.  Rev.  Wyatt 
Scott,  his  colleague,  the  impartial  and  urbane,  is  noted  for 
his  parliamentary  points  of  order.  A.  B.  Moore,  the  schol 
arly  Grand  Master,  has  left  his  imprint,  and  it  will  not  be 
effaced  during  the  existence  of  the  Order.  It  was  under  his 
administration  that  the  history  of  the  Order  in  Missouri  was 
ordered,  and  codified  by  that  very  excellent  Secretary,  W. 
N.  Brent,  whose  minutes  of  our  Grand  sessions  are  so  re 
plete  with  general  information.  The  Missouri  minutes  of 
1890  should  be  in  the  hands  of  every  Grand  Officer.  Through 
Missouri  our  Kansas  work  has  received  much  attention. 

ILLINOIS. 

Grand  Master  Bish  controlled  the  State  for  several  years 
and  promised  favorable  results,  but  unfortunately  he  became 
involved  in  a  law  suit  with  Mt.  Hope  Temple.  The  case 
was  brought  to  the  notice  of  the  National  Grand  Lodge  for 
two  sessions,  with  instructions  given,  but  he  failed  to  obey 
them,  and  he  was  finally  expelled  at  the  St.  Louis  meeting. 

Chicago  is  the  headquarters  of  the  Order  in  Illinois. 
The  Sisters  of  the  Mysterious  Ten  are  the  most  numerous. 
The  temples  are  composed  of  a  very  intelligent  class  of 
ladies,  and  they  are  doing  much  good  for  the  Order. 

The  male  forces  are  not  so  strong,  as  our  opposition  comes 
from  the  various  male  organizations  in  the  State.  We  are  in 
want  of  a  good  male  organizer  for  that  city.  Since  the  ac 
cession  of  Drs.  McGee  and  Jones  we  hope  for  a  revival  in 
the  male  department. 


SECOND    EPOCH.  7  I 


OHIO. 

Past  Grand  Master  Wm.  Smith  ranks  among  the  leading 
organizers  of  our  Order.  For  about  twenty  years  he  has 
faithfully  represented  the  United  Brothers  of  Friendship 
from  Smith  Lodge  No.  i.  The  Order  has  grown  to  immense 
proportions,  until  the  leading  cities  of  the  State  have  lodges 
and  temples  organized,  with  some  of  the  best  and  most  intel 
ligent  citizens.  His  work  among  the  camps  deserves  especial 
attention.  Ohio's  roster  contains  the  names  of  Prof.  Max 
well,  O.  P.  Benjamin,  Dehart,  Ayres,  and  Linthecome. 

W.  T.  Linthecome,  a  member  of  Rising  Star  Lodge  No. 
6,  and  Knight  Recorder  of  Belle  Camp  No.  i,  U.  B.  F. ,  is 
one  of  the  prominent  and  ardent  workers  of  the  Order.  Bro. 
Linthecome  is  properly  the  originator  of  the  insurance  or 
endowment  policy,  introduced  at  the  State  Grand  Lodge 
that  convened  in  Cincinnati,  August,  1895. 

In  his  appeal  to  that  Grand  Body  for  the  endowment 
policy  we  quote  his  remarks,  that  no  doubt  reached  the  hearts 
of  all  who  heard  him:  "To  have  so  elaborate  funerals  as 
we  usually  do,  and  then  afterwards  visiting  the  home  of  the 
deceased,  our  eyes  beholding  sights  most  pitiable  to  behold, 
and  our  ears  arrested  with  the  touching  cry,  '  Mamma,  is 
there  no  bread?'  and  the  answer  comes  '  No,'  from  the  sur 
vivors  of  one  who  has  spent  his  life  in  the  Order,  and  his 
interment  was  one  of  grandeur.  Ah  !  had  part  of  the  money 
that  was  spent  on  his  or  her  funeral  been  bequeathed  to  the 
family,  it  would  have  reflected  honor  and  credit  upon  that 
brother  or  sister  lodge,  and  also  the  Order  of  U.  B.  F." 

This  appeal,  after  a  lengthy  discussion,  had  its  desired 
effect,  for  it  was,  by  resolution, 


72  UNITED    BROTHERS    OF    FRIENDSHIP. 

Resolved,  That  the  United  Brothers  of  Friendship  and 
Sisters  of  the  Mysterious  Ten  have  and  adopt  an  Insurance 
or  Endowment  Policy. 

Resolved,  That  said  policy  shall  go  into  effect  immediately 
upon  its  passage  at  said  Grand  Lodge  session. 

The  plan  is  plain  and  simple.  The  leading  resolution  is 
as  follows  : 

Resolved,  That  the  Board  shall  pay  to  the  deceased  mem 
ber's  survivors  twenty-five  cents  per  head  for  every  financial 
member  in  the  State  of  Ohio  reported  at  the  last  quarter, 
last  third  month. 

The  officers  were  elected  and  all  the  necessary  equip 
ments  for  this  department  provided.  Prof.  H.  J.  Dehart  is 
President,  and  the  department  is  now  running  in  good  order, 
with  Bro.  Linthecome,  Secretary. 

ARKANSAS. 

Grand  Master  Robinson,  a  highly  respected  brother,  has 
worked  ardently  to  build  up  the  Order,  and  has  held  honor 
able  positions  in  the  National  Grand  Lodge.  The  recent 
sitting  of  the  National  Grand  Lodge,  which  was  held  in  the 
State  house,  reflects  credit  upon  him,  and  shows  what  in 
fluence  he  has  with  the  officials  of  his  State. 

LOUISIANA. 

Among  the  early  workers  of  the  State  was  Bro.  Dear- 
masey,  who  succeeded  in  organizing  a  lodge,  temple,  and 
camp  at  Shrevesport.  Grand  Master  Green,  deceased,  was 
an  earnest  worker,  and  established  the  Order  in  other  parts 
of  the  State. 

COLORADO. 

Sister  Foster,  formerly  of  Chicago,  111.,  Mount  Hope  Tem 
ple,  organized  a  temple  in  Denver,  and  threw  to  the  breeze 


SECOND    EPOCH.  73 

of  the  far  West  our  work.     She  represented  her  temple  at 
Little  Rock,  July,  1894. 


PENNSYLVANIA. 


Organized  under  the  administration  of  National  Grand 
Master  F.  D.  Morton,  and  has  been  represented  by  the  Rev. 
Jehu  Holliday,  now  Bishop  of  the  A.  M.  E.  Zion  Church. 

NEW    YORK. 

Was  organized  under  the  administration  of  National 
Grand  Master  Collins  by  P.  F.  Hill,  Organizer,  and  the  late 
Rev.  John  L.  Swears ;  also  Canada. 

WASHINGTON,   D.    C. 

Organized  under  the  administration  of  Dr.  W.  T.  Pey 
ton  ;  also  Liberia,  Africa. 

CHAPTER  XII. 

SKETCHES  OF  NATIONAL  GRAND  MASTERS. 

The  history  of  the  work  of  our  first  National  Grand 
Master,  under  the  organization  of  the  Second  Epoch  having 
been  given,  we  will  review  his  successors. 

Frederick  Douglass  Morton,  second  National  Grand  Mas 
ter,  elected  at  Indianapolis,  Ind.,  July  6,  1880.  Bro.  Mor 
ton  has  been  an  earnest  worker  in  the  Order.  He  was  the 
leader  of  his  delegation  to  the  National  Convention  at  St. 
Louis  that  organized  the  National  Grand  Lodge.  His  telling 
speeches  in  favor  of  a  union  of  all  the  lodges  was  replete 
with  logical  reasoning,  and  they  had  the  desired  effect.  At 
the  first  National  Grand  Lodge,  at  Louisville,  in  1878,  his 
services  rendered  in  that  Grand  Body  convinced  us  that  he 
was  the  coming  young  man  that  would  do  honor  to  the 


74  UNITED    BROTHERS    OF    FRIENDSHIP. 

Order  if  placed  in  the  Grand  Master's  chair.  His  orations 
at  Louisville  and  Indianapolis  were  received  with  the  highest 
applause.  He  accepted  the  honor  conferred  with  a  firm 
determination  to  add  new  laurels  to  what  had  been  achieved 
by  his  predecessor,  and  in  order  to  accomplish  his  aim  he 
resigned  a  lucrative  position  in  the  public  schools  of  Evans- 
ville  for  one  year  in  order  to  travel  and  organize  lodges  and 
temples.  The  sacrifice  proved  to  be  a  great  one  to  him,  but 
his  object  was  to  improve  the  Order  in  all  of  its  branches 
and  introduce  it  into  States  where  it  had  not  yet  been  known. 
He  was  successful  in  that  respect,  and  many  lodges  and 
temples  were  received  under  his  administration  and  new 
States  added  to  the  roll.  We  regret  that  we  have  not  his 
biennial  report,  that  we  might  quote  from  it  some  interesting 
details  of  his  work,  which  would  add  greatly  to  the  historical 
sketches  of  the  Order.  Unfortunately,  after  being  turned 
over  to  the  National  Grand  Secretary,  at  Cincinnati,  O.,  it 
is  claimed  that  the  entire  minutes  of  that  session  were  lost. 

Bro.  Morton  was  elected  a  second  term  at  Cincinnati,  O., 
July,  1882.  It  was  at  this  session  that  the  Order  realized 
the  sacrifice  that  the  National  Grand  Master  had  made  dur 
ing  his  term  of  office  after  having  resigned  his  position  at  a 
good  salary.  The  office  and  labor  of  National  Grand  Master 
did  not  remunerate  him  for  the  sacrifice,  and  he  was  there 
fore  loser  by  hundreds  of  dollars,  consequently  his  second 
term  was  not  as  brilliant  as  his  first,  for  the  reason  that  he 
had  to  return  to  his  occupation  and  devote  less  time  to  the 
Order. 

At  this  session  he  recommended  the  degrees  of  the  Royal 
Household  for  the  Ladies,  Junvenile  Department,  and  Past 
Master's  Council.  These  departments  have  been  organized 
and  are  in  good  working  order.  The  Insurance  and  Mutual  Aid 


SECOND    EPOCH.  75 

Society  was  organized  under  his  administration.  The  labors 
of  National  Grand  Master  F.  D.  Morton  will  compare  favor 
ably  with  his  cotemporaries.  His  second  term  closed  at 
Galveston,  Texas ;  it  was  a  stormy,  though  interesting  ses 
sion. 

W.  H.  Lawson,  third  National  Grand  Master,  one  of 
the  founders  and  charter  members  of  the  Order,  the  suc 
cessor  to  F.  D.  Morton,  was  elected  National  Grand  Mas 
ter  August  i,  1884,  at  Galveston,  Texas.  Brother  Law- 
son  has  been  known  to  the  United  Brothers  of  Friendship 
from  its  organization,  through  the  first  and  second  epochs, 
and  now  receives  the  exaltation  of  his  brethren.  It  will 
only  be  a  sketch  of  Bro.  Lawson's  work  that  we  shall  write, 
for  it  would  take  more  space  than  we  can  afford  in  this  his 
tory. 

Bro.  Lawson  occupied  the  position  of  artist  for  the  Order, 
being  the  regalia  manufacturer,  banner  maker,  and  general 
decorator  of  the  Order  for  years.  He  did  all  the  work,  but 
as  the  Order  increased  and  became  numerous  its  patron 
age  was  solicited  by  colored  and  white  artists ;  and  be  it 
known,  that  thousands  of  dollars  are  reaped  annually  from 
our  coffers.  There  is  not  a  position  in  the  Order  that  Bro. 
Lawson  has  not  filled.  His  ability  is  acknowledged  by  the 
entire  Brotherhood. 

At  the  Galveston  meeting  one  of  the  most  important 
duties  were  assigned  to  him,  that  of  chairman  of  the  ritual 
istic  work  and  the  codifying  of  our  laws.  Without  a  nickel 
he  went  at  the  work,  and  involved  himself  to  the  amount  of 
seven  hundred  dollars  or  more,  causing  him  much  embarrass 
ment  and  loss  of  property.  The  work  was  approved  and  is 
now  the  standard  work  of  the  Order.  He  served  one  term 
as  National  Grand  Master.  It  was  under  his  administration 


76  UNITED    BROTHERS    OF    FRIENDSHIP. 

that  the  Order  was  carried  into  Michigan,  Kansas,  and 
Canada.  Bro.  Lawson's  labors  will  ever  be  a  standing 
monument  to  his  fame  in  the  Order. 

Bro.  R.  G.  Collins,  successor  to  W.  H.  Lawson,  was 
elected  July  24,  1886,  at  Memphis,  Tenn.  Bro.  Collins  be 
longs  to  that  noble  band  of  brothers  from  the  Lone  Star 
State — a  State  of  vast  resourcess — a  State  that  is  only  second 
in  number  of  lodges.  This  State,  whose  territory  is  so  ex 
tensive,  with  its  large  population  of  colored  people,  has  con 
tributed  to  the  Order  of  United  Brothers  of  Friendship  some 
of  her  most  intelligent  citizens,  male  and  female,  of  which 
Bro.  Collins  is  a  true  type.  Grand  Master  Collins  served 
one  term,  and  his  biennial  report  is  replete  with  valuable 
suggestions  for  the  betterment  of  the  Order.  Financial  em 
barrassments  seemed  to  have  met  him  at  the  beginning  of  his 
administration,  but  if  his  views  are  adopted  his  successor 
may  not  have  the  same  to  encounter.  It  may  be  proper  to 
remark  just  here,  that  twelve  years  of  experience  with  the 
workings  of  this  Grand  Body  should  have,  by  this  time,  com 
pleted  a  perfect  system  of  finance ;  in  fact,  the  system 
that  we  have,  or  the  laws  governing  them,  if  enforced,  would 
produce  better  results.  We  have  the  ability,  we  have  the 
numerical  strength  to  move  mountains  (so  to  speak),  but  it 
does  seem  that  we  are  deficient  in  executive  force.  We 
agree  with  Grand  Master  Collins,  that  our  laws  must  be  en 
forced  more  rigidly  in  order  to  be  financially  successful. 

Dr.  W.  T.  Peyton's  election  to  the  National  Grand  Master's 
chair  was  another  step  in  the  advance.  His  position  as  an 
educator  gave  hopes  for  an  administration  far  in  the  lead  of 
his  predecessors.  His  ambition  for  those  honors  and  his 
qualifications  to  fulfill  them  was  a  sufficient  guarantee  for  his 
success.  His  term  began  with  the  three-year  system,  adopted 


SECOND    EPOCH.  77 

at  St.  Louis,  which  gave  him  an  advantage,  allowing 
time  to  formulate  plans  and  become  thoroughly  acquainted 
with  the  wants  and  usages  of  the  Order.  His  first  term 
ended  at  Chicago  in  1891.  His  reports  were  received  and 
adopted.  He  succeeded  himself  for  another  term.  Under 
his  administration  the  Orphans'  Home  was  recommended 
and  purchased  on  terms  that  are  easy,  and  will  be,  when 
completed,  an  honor  to  the  Order  and  to  those  worthy  breth 
ren  in  whose  care  the  management  has  been  intrusted. 

During  his  second  term,  petitions  have  been  received 
from  our  fatherland — Africa,  across  the  sea — for  admission 
to  our  Order;  also  from  the  West  Indies  communications 
have  been  received.  Under  Dr.  Peyton's  administration  the 
financial  department  of  the  Order  shows  vast  improvement, 
the  heavy  debts  that  had  accrued  under  several  administra 
tions  having  been  canceled.  The  Widow  and  Orphans' 
Home  property  was  acquired  under  his  second  term,  and  bids 
fair  to  be  a  successful  effort.  The  following  are  quotations 
from  his  annual  address  : 

In  the  early  part  of  the  administration's  career,  by  the 
consent  of  the  State  Grand  Lodge  I  set  forth  a  National 
Thanksgiving  Day.  The  thought  seemed  well  founded  and 
has  proven  a  great  benefit  to  the  Order.  You  must  bear  in 
mind  that  when  we  last  met,  the  cry  of  our  creditors  was 
loud  in  our  ears  and  is  not  yet  silenced.  The  National 
Grand  Secretary  and  myself  have  each  a  financial  report 
which  shows  our  present  status.  Dear  brethren,  we  must 
provide  for  a  better  insurance  and  must  establish  the  Or 
phans'  Home,  so  nobly  introduced  by  my  loving  friend  and 
brother  predecessor,  R.  G.  Collins,  of  Texas.  My  visit  to 
Ohio,  Kentucky,  Texas,  Tennessee,  Indiana,  and  Chicago 
are  among  the  happiest  periods  of  my  life,  and  the  many 
acts  of  kindness  showered  upon  me  by  the  brave  Texans, 
the  brilliant  Buckeyes,  the  whole-souled  Hoosiers,  the  Ten- 


78  UNITED    BROTHERS    OF    FRIENDSHIP. 

nesseeans,  Kentuckians,  and  those  of  Chicago,  can  never  be 
erased  from  my  memory,  and  will  be  told  my  children,  thus 
making  dear  to  them  the  names  United  Brothers  of  Friend 
ship  and  Sisters  of  the  Mysterious  Ten.  May  15,  1891,  I 
received  and  accepted,  with  great  reluctance,  the  resigna 
tion  of  Grand  Master  White,  and  recognized  as  his  succes 
sor  the  Deputy,  Bro.  W.  F.  Bledsoe,  of  Marshall,  Texas. 
By  request,  Bro.  Isaac  Curtis  was  appointed  National  Grand 
Organizer,  to  fill  the  term.  The  Order  has  been  established 
in  Kansas  and  strengthened  in  New  York  and  Pennsylvania. 
I  recommend  that  the  Sunday  next  after  Easter  be  the  legal 
Thanksgiving  Day  of  the  Order.  Further,  that  the  National 
Grand  Master  be  empowered  to  appoint  a  committee  of  three, 
with  power  to  act  in  purchasing  or  erecting  a  National  Home. 
I  present  the  offer  of  the  Centralia  Land  Association,  offering 
a  site  for  a  home.  I  further  recommend  the  publishing  of  a 
hand-book  of  the  Order,  showing  its  true  origin  and  designs. 
I  further  recommend  that  the  Mutual  Aid  Association  be  ap 
plied  to  States  not  having  a  satisfactory  Mutual  Aid  Associa 
tion,  in  the  same  manner  as  it  is  conducted  in  the  State  of 
Missouri ;  that  this  applies  to  States  and  Territories,  but  only 
to  those  joining  the  lodges  after  the  passage  of  this  law. 

J.  Chavis,  of  Illinois,  read  the  following  proposal  for  Or 
phans'  Home : 

WHEREAS,  The  contemplated  Orphans'  Home  means  the 
founding  of  an  institution  for  the  protection,  care,  and  edu 
cation  of  the  sons  and  daughters  of  United  Brothers  of 
Friendship,  who  have  been  unfortunately  deprived  of  that 
parental  care  so  essential  to  the  early  training  of  men  and 
women  for  usefulness  in  life ;  and 

WHEREAS,  Facilities  for  education  and  political  protection 
can  best  be  secured  in  the  State  of  Illinois;  and 

WHEREAS,  A  single  member  of  this  noble  and  independ 
ent  Order  of  ours,  in  the  person  of  Walker  Wilkinson,  has 
agreed  to  deed  to  this  Grand  Lodge,  or  its  authorities,  fifty 
acres  of  Illinois  freesoil,  on  the  C.  V.  &  C.  R.  R.,  in  the 


SECOND    EPOCH.  79 

county  of  Alexander,  and  State  of  Illinois,  for  the  site  of 
said  institution  ;  therefore  be  it 

Resolved,  That  the  National  Grand  Lodge  accept  the 
above  proposition  and  select  the  site  for  the  Orphans'  Home 
on  said  fifty  acres  of  land,  in  the  county  of  Alexander,  and 
State  of  Illinois. 

HISTORY  OF  PAST  MASTERS'  COUNCIL,  ROYAL  HOUSEHOLD,  AND 
JUVENILE    DEPARTMENT 

As  created  by  the  following  Compiling  Committee,  ap 
pointed  by  the  National  Grand  Lodge,  at  a  meeting  held  in 
the  city  of  Cincinnati,  Ohio,  July  17  to  21,  1882:  W.  H. 
Lawson,  G.  M.,  Ky,  Chairman;  J.  J.  Norris,  Pa.  ;  W.  A. 
Burney,  D.  G.  M.,  Ind. ;  W.  H.  Coleman,  G.  M.,  Ohio;  J. 
E.  Bish,  G.  S.,  111.;  Chas.  Bartlett,  G.  M.,  Mo.;  R.  Law- 
son,  G.  M.,  Ark.;  A.  L.  Scott,  Tenn. ;  R.  H.  Day,  Texas. 

Revised  and  published  by  the  following  Ritualistic  Com 
mittee  appointed  by  the  National  Grand  Lodge  at  a  meeting 
held  in  the  city  of  Galveston,  Texas,  July  28  to  August  2, 
1884:  W.  H.  Lawson,  W.  H.  Gibson,  W.  T.  Peyton,  and 
T.  S.  Baxter. 

The  Past  Masters'  Council,  an  annex  to  the  Knighthood, 
has  added  interest  to  the  membership  as  a  door  to  the 
Knighthood  and  honors  for  services  rendered. 

The  Royal  Household  adds  beauty  and  grandeur  to  the 
Ladies'  Temple  degrees.  Their  Royal  Court  and  splendid 
equipment  is  the  crowning  point  of  the  Mysterious  Ten. 

Great  interest  is  being  manifested  in  the  Juvenile  Depart 
ment  by  the  mothers  of  the  Order.  It  fills  our  hearts  with 
gratitude  when  we  behold  the  army  of  children  being  trained 
for  usefulness  by  the  mothers  and  sisters  of  the  temples. 
Thousands  have  been  gathered  in  since  its  organization. 


80  UNITED    BROTHERS    OF    FRIENDSHIP. 


CHAPTER  XIII. 

THE     BIENNIAL     SESSION    OF    THE     NATIONAL     GRAND     LODGE, 
HELD    AT    LITTLE    ROCK,    ARK.,   JULY    23,    1894. 

The  National  Grand  Lodge  was  called  to  order  at  2  o'clock 
p.  M.,  in  the  State  House,  National  Grand  Master  W.  T.  Pey 
ton  in  the  chair.  A  large  and  respectful  audience  of  ladies 
and  gentlemen,  citizens  of  Little  Rock,  and  delegations  of 
the  Order  filled  the  house.  Address  of  welcome  by  Bro. 
Bradford,  of  Little  Rock,  response  by  National  Grand  Mas 
ter,  and  short  addresses  followed  by  Judge  Gibbs,  of  Little 
Rock;  W.  H.  Gibson  and  W.  H.  Lawson,  of  Ky.  ;  Wm. 
Porter,  of  Tenn.  After  a  very  pleasant  interchange  of  feel 
ing  among  the  members,  the  meeting  adjourned  to  meet  at 
9  o'clock  A.  M.  on  Tuesday. 

At  night  the  Temple  Sisters  gave  a  reception  to  the  visit 
ing  delegates  at  the  U.  B.  F.  Hall.  It  was  a  very  enjoyable 
feast  of  good  things,  such  as  revive  the  inner  man.  The 
citizens  of  Little  Rock  vied  with  each  other  in  their  efforts 
to  care  for  us  while  their  guest. 

The  business  of  the  Grand  Lodge  was  considerably  re 
tarded  by  a  very  unpleasant  feeling  that  existed  between  the 
delegation  from  Kentucky  and  the  National  Grand  Master 
in  regard  to  the  purchase  of  the  Widows  and  Orphans'  Home. 
Committees  were  appointed  to  investigate  the  whole  affair, 
and  after  a  thorough  examination  the  National  Grand  Lodge 
referred  the  whole  matter  to  the  Grand  Lodge  of  Kentucky 
for  settlement.  (See  National  Grand  Lodge  minutes). 

MEETING  OF  THE  NATIONAL   GRAND   TEMPLE  AT   LITTLE  ROCK, 
ARK.,  JULY,    1894. 

Grand  Princess  Mrs.  Dr.  Georgia  Henderson  called  the 
temple  to  order.  Divine  blessing  was  invoked  by  the  Grand 


P.  F.   HILL, 

G.   M.  OF  TENNESSEE. 


KiJ 


C.   D.   PRITCHARD, 

G.  M.  OF  INDIANA. 


SECOND    EPOCH.  8 I 

Chaplain.  The  routine  business  of  the  Grand  Temple  was 
then  proceeded  with. 

The  delegation  was  a  very  large  one.  The  ladies  were 
tastefully  attired  and  attracted  considerable  attention  through 
out  the  community.  Many  wives  and  daughters  of  the  male 
members  accompanied  them,  and  the  presence  of  the  ladies 
gave  inspiration  to  the  Grand  Assembly.  Mrs.  Dr.  Georgia 
Henderson,  the  Grand  Princess,  was  re-elected  for  the  fifth 
term.  She  seems  to  possess  all  of  those  qualities  really 
necessary  for  that  exalted  position.  Her  demeanor  is  of  a 
lovely  bearing;  she  is  scholarly,  and  withal  a  Christian. 
She  has  won  the  affections  of  all  the  Temple  Sisters. 

The  Temple  Sisters  of  the  Mysterious  Ten,  of  Little  Rock, 
have  made  an  impression  that  time  will  not  erase. 

The  colored  citizens  of  Little  Rock  are  a  business  people. 
Their  enterprise  attracted  the  attention  of  their  visitors ;  for 
amid  the  tortures  and  distress  chronicled  from  day  to  day  in 
the  South,  they  seem  to  go  right  along  as  though  nothing  had 
happened.  Their  educational  facilities  are  fair.  They  have 
good  churches,  and  all  are  well  attended.  The  colored  trades 
men  are  patronized,  also  the  professions.  There  are  many 
farmers,  who  have  a  large  proportion  of  colored  salesmen 
vending  their  products  with  the  same  tact  and  skill  as  their 
white  fellow  citizens. 

RECEPTION    OF    WILLIAM    LLOYD    GARRISON    CAMP    AT    CHI 
CAGO,    ILL.,    JULY,     1891. 

William  Lloyd  Garrison  Camp  No.  i,  of  Louisville,  hav 
ing  just  arrived  in  fatigue  uniform,  was  introduced  to  the 
Grand  Lodge  by  W.  A.  Gains,  Grand  Master  of  Kentucky, 
as  follows : 

' l  Worthy  Grand  Master,  Past  Grand  Masters,  Officers  and 
Delegates — I  have  the  extreme  pleasure  of  introducing  to  you 

6 


82  UNITED    BROTHERS    OF    FRIENDSHIP. 

the  first  camp  that  was  ever  formed  in  defense  of  the  grand 
and  glorious  honor  of  this  great  Order,  and  bear  in  mind,  if 
you  please,  that  it  has  at  no  time  ever  faltered  or  shrunk 
from  the  performance  of  any  duty;  and  we  guarantee  you 
that  this  valiant  band  of  Knights  of  Friendship  is  still  stand 
ing  in  defense  of  the  sacred  principles  of  our  Order,  and  are 
a  living  illustration  that  men  of  color  have  the  capacity  to 
conceive  and  the  ability  to  perpetuate  a  great  organization 
for  the  benefit  of  mankind,  and  the  presence  of  this  camp 
here  to-day  is  an  assurance  that  you  will  be  protected,  if 
necessary,  at  the  point  of  the  sword." 

National  Grand  Master  Peyton  said : 

^Members  of  the  National  Grand  Lodge — You  have  before 
you  William  Lloyd  Garrison  Camp,  named  in  honor  of  the 
immortal  friend  of  freedom.  In  those  dark  days  of  our  ex 
perience,  when  there  was  no  light  ahead,  when  all  seemed 
gloomy  for  our  fathers  and  mothers,  William  Lloyd  Gar 
rison  went  forth  in  the  path  of  right  and  duty,  amid  a  storm 
of  opposition,  until  he  finally  triumphed  in  the  name  of  God 
and  humanity ;  and  so  this  knightly  band  of  brothers,  bear 
ing  his  revered  name,  has  raised  the  banner  of  our  Order 
in  honor  of  his  memory.  It  is  the  first  of  our  Order  that 
trod  the  streets  of  Cincinnati,  that  marched  through  the  dust 
of  Indianapolis,  and  walked  like  men  of  war  through  the 
thoroughfares  of  Galveston,  on  the  borders  of  the  Gulf,  all 
in  honor  of  the  United  Brothers  of  Friendship.  When  this 
camp  was  requested  to  come  to  this  city  by  the  officers  of 
the  National  Grand  Lodge,  to  demonstrate  the  military  per 
fection  of  the  Order,  it  generously  consented  to  pay  its  own 
fare.  These  Knights  of  Friendship  are  here  at  a  personal 
cost  to  themselves  of  $600,  to  further  the  underlying  prin 
ciples  of  our  Order — Justice,  Mercy,  and  Truth — and  to 
bear  aloft  our  banner  in  this  great  city.  We  ask,  and  we  are 
sure,  that  the  brothers  and  sisters  of  Chicago  will  treat  them 
as  they  deserve,  and  in  recognition  of  the  compliment  in 
calling  upon  the  National  Grand  Lodge,  we  will  now  give 
them  the  grand  honors." 


SECOND    EPOCH.  83 


NATIONAL    KNIGHT    COMMANDERS. 

W.  L.  Johnson,  Past  National  Knight  Commander  and 
Captain  General  of  the  Valiant  Knights  of  Friendship.  This 
division  of  the  Order  is  indebted  largely  to  V.  K.  Johnson 
for  the  high  attainments  in  the  manual  of  drill,  the  perfec 
tion  arrived  at,  and  eulogies  expressed  on  every  occasion 
when  brought  before  the  public. 

At  the  organization  of  Garrison  Camp,  when  a  drill  mas 
ter  was  to  be  selected,  the  National  Commander  offered  Bro. 
W.  L.  Johnson  for  the  position.  He  had  some  experience 
in  the  art  of  drilling,  from  the  fact  that  he  was  connected 
with  the  military  of  our  city  and  had  excellent  opportunities 
for  learning.  The  selection  proved  a  fitting  one,  so  much 
so  that  from  Drill  Master  he  advanced  to  Knight  Com 
mander,  National  Knight  Commander,  and  Captain  General. 
He  has  been  in  office  ever  since  the  organization  of  the 
camps.  Garrison  has  won  many  prizes  and  trophies  by  his 
skillful  maneuverings.  Two  other  camps  have  been  organ 
ized,  getting  a  portion  of  their  members  from  Garrison. 

Commanders — J.  H.  Rector,  W.  L.  Johnson,  Wm. 
Porter,  Jesse  Montgomery,  Bryant  Luster. 

MEETINGS    OF    THE    NATIONAL    GRAND    CAMPS. 

Louisville,  Ky.,  July,  1878,  organized;  Cincinnati,  O., 
August,  1879,  extra  session  for  work,  Knighted  77;  Indian 
apolis,  Ind.,  July,  1880;  Cincinnati,  O.,  July,  1882;  Louis 
ville,  Ky.,  extra  session,  1883;  Galveston,  Tex.,  July,  1884; 
Memphis,  Tenn.,  July,  1885;  Memphis,  Tenn.,  Grand  Ses- 
sion,i886;  Little  Rock,  Ark.,  July,  1887;  St.  Louis,  Mo., 
1888;  Chicago,  111.,  1891;  Little  Rock,  Ark.,  1894;  St. 
Louis,  1896. 


84  UNITED    BROTHERS    OF    FRIENDSHIP. 


VISITS    OF    VALIANT    KNIGHTS. 

Garrison  visited  Indianapolis  in  1880  and  contested  for  a 
prize  with  Belle,  of  Cincinnati,  O.  ;  Belle,  of  Cincinnati, 
O.,  visited  Indianapolis  in  1880;  David,  of  Covington,  Ky., 
visited  Indianapolis  in  1880;  Garrison  visited  St.  Louis  in 
1877;  Garrison  visited  Galveston,  Tex.,  in  1884;  Garrison 
and  Belle,  of  Kentucky,  visited  Indianapolis  in  1888;  Belle, 
of  Cincinnati,  visited  Louisville  in  1888;  Garrison  visited 
Chicago  in  1891;  Belle,  of  Cincinnati,  visited  Chicago  in 
1891;  Morris  Henderson,  of  Chicago,  visited  Memphis, 
Tenn.,  in  1891;  Garrison  visited  Cincinnati  in  1893. 

The  National  Grand  Camp  met  at  Louisville,  Ky. ,  in 
1892.  The  following  camps  were  present:  Winchester 
Camp,  Kentucky;  Mt.  Sterling  Camp,  Kentucky;  Quinn 
Camp,  Indianapolis,  Ind. ;  Lexington  Camp,  Kentucky ; 
Carthage  Camp,  Jeffersonville,  Ind.  ;  Belle  Camp,  Cincin 
nati,  O.  ;  David  Camp,  Covington,  Ky. ;  Pride  of  Kentucky 
Camp,  Louisville;  Belle  Camp,  Kentucky;  Garrison  Camp, 
Kentucky,  and  representatives  from  Little  Rock,  Ark.,  and 
Fort  Worth,  Texas. 

The  largest  prize  ever  offered  at  any  of  our  grand  drills 
was  presented  by  the  three  camps  of  Louisville,  Ky. — the 
sum  of  $500.  Winchester  Camp,  Kentucky,  captured  the 
first  prize,  $300;  Logan  Camp,  Lexington,  Ky. ,  second  prize, 
and  Belle  Camp,  Cincinnati,  O.,  third  prize  of  $100  each. 

1888 — A  contest  a,t  Winchester,  Ky. ,  between  Logan 
Camp,  of  Lexington,  Ky ;  David  Camp,  of  Covington,  Ky. , 
and  Belle  Camp,  of  Louisville,  Ky. 

1889 — A  contest  at  Maysville,  Ky. ,  between  Logan  Camp, 
of  Lexington,  Ky.  ;  Golden  Eagle  Camp,  of  Winchester, 
Ky.,  and  Belle  Camp,  of  Louisville,  Ky. 


SECOND    EPOCH.  85 

1890 — A  contest  at  Indianapolis,  Ind. — National  Drill- 
between  Garrison  Camp,  Golden  Eagle  Camp,  Winchester, 
Ky. ;  Logan  Camp,  Lexington,  Ky. ;  Belle  Camp,  Cincin 
nati,  O.,  and  Belle  Camp  No.  2,  Louisville,  Ky. 

1891 — A  contest  at  Lexington,  Ky.,  between  Golden 
Eagle  Camp,  Winchester,  Ky.  ;  Belle  Camp,  Louisville,  Ky., 
and  Maysville  Camp,  Maysville,  Ky. 

Belle  Camp  No.  2,  K.  F.,  of  Louisville,  Ky.,  was  organ 
ized  on  October  8,  1888,  the  following  being  the  first  elective 
officers :  Lee  Mattingly,  K.  C.  ;  John  Hyde,  K.  R.  ;  Elijah 
Mitchell,  S.  K. ;  F.  W.  Kittrell,  Jr.  K.  ;  Dudley  Mills,  Cap 
tain  Guards,  and  L.  Hutchinson,  Captain  General. 

The  first  contest,  at  Winchester,  Ky.,  between  Lexington, 
Covington,  and  Belle  camps,  was  won  by  Belle  Camp,  the 
prize  amounting  to  $50. 

The  next  contest  was  at  Maysville,  Ky. ,  between  Lexing 
ton,  Winchester,  and  Belle  camps.  Winchester  received 
first  prize,  the  amount  being  $60,  and  Belle  Camp  second,  $45. 

The  next  contest  was  at  Lexington,  Ky. ,  in  1891,  between 
Winchester,  Maysville,  and  Belle  camps.  First  prize,  $75, 
won  by  Belle  Camp ;  second  prize,  by  Winchester  Camp,  $25. 

At  Indianapolis,  Ind.,  the  National  Drill  between  Cin 
cinnati,  Garrison  No.  i,  Winchester,  Lexington,  Belle  of 
Cincinnati,  and  Belle  of  Louisville,  took  place  in  July,  1890. 
First  prize,  $150,  was  won  by  Belle  Camp  No.  2,  of  Ken 
tucky;  Garrison  second,  Winchester  third. 

The  organization  began  with  forty-two  members.  The 
following  are  the  present  officers:  W.  H.  Smith,  K.  C.  ;  F. 
VV.  Kittrell,  S.  K.  ;  Theodore  Terry,  J.  K.  ;  B.  F.  Hays,  K. 
R.  ;  Oliver  Arnold,  Captain  Guards,  and  L.  J.  Hutchinson, 
Captain  General.  Financial  members  at  this  date,  thirty- 
five. 


86  UNITED    BROTHERS    OF    FRIENDSHIP. 

Never  lost  but  one  prize  since  organization  in  any  contest 
the  camp  ever  entered. 

Pride  of  Kentucky  Camp. — At  the  organization  of  this 
camp  Valiant  Knight  Nathaniel  Mathews  was  elected  Knight 
Commander.  This  camp  has  a  fine  corps  of  members;  they 
are  well  drilled,  and  have  not  had  the  same  experience  as 
Garrison  and  Belle  camps,  but  with  Knight  Commander 
Mathews  and  his  strict  discipline  they  will  vie  with  the  other 
camps  in  the  manual  of  arms.  Every  officer  and  member 
has  the  confidence  of  the  Commander,  and  they  can  not  fail 
to  succeed.  Valiant  Knight  Mathews  has  a  large  experience, 
and  he  has  been  in  the  Order  since  the  first  convention,  in 
1875.  A.  L.  Jones,  Commander. 

Belle  Camp,  of  Cincinnati,  O.,  was  present  at  Garfield's 
funeral,  which  took  place  at  Cincinnati,  O.,  September, 
1 88 1.  Thousands  of  military  and  civic  societies  participated. 
Belle  Camp,  of  Cincinnati,  O.,  and  David  Camp,  of  Cov- 
ington,  Ky. ,  made  a  handsome  display  in  their  beautiful 
regulations.  They  were  assigned  a  prominent  position  in 
the  line,  with  a  band  in  front  of  them.  They  were  com 
manded  by  V.  K.  Tom  Johnson,  with  the  following  Grand 
Camp  officers  in  full  regalia:  W.  H.  Gibson,  Sr. ,  N.  G.  C.  ; 
J.  C.  McLoud,  G.  R.  ;  J.  W.  Hillman,  G.  W.  ;  Wm.  Smith, 
G.  S.  B. 

CHAPTER  XIV. 

REMINISCENCES — TEXAS. 

Our  trip  to  Texas  was  fraught  with  forebodings,  the  his 
tory  of  the  State  being  so  noted  for  cow-boys  and  an  element 
of  outlaws  that  has  terrified  travelers  from  the  days  of  San 
Jacinto  and  Gen.  Sam  Houston  to  and  after  the  Civil  War, 


SECOND    EPOCH.  87 

but  duty  called  and  "we  must  obey."  At  Texarkana  we 
had  our  first  mishap.  We  boarded  the  wrong  train,  through 
the  ignorance  of  a  porter  or  his  meanness,  there  being  only 
two  trains  on  the  road,  morning  and  evening,  and  were 
dumped  out  at  a  saw-mill  in  a  forest,  to  remain  from  9  o'clock 
A.  M.  to  6  o'clock  P.  M.  We  had  an  engagement  that  night 
at  Sherman,  but  failed,  of  course,  to  meet  it.  The  work 
men  at  the  saw-mill  viewed  us  with  a  critic's  eye,  but  further 
than  that  they  did  not  molest  us.  It  was  the  most  lonesome 
day  that  we  ever  spent.  The  train  arrived,  and  we  boarded 
it  and  left  for  our  destination.  We  were  received  by  Rev. 
H.  Read,  visited  the  temple  and  lodge,  instructed  them  and 
left  in  company  with  Bro.  Reed. 

The  scenery  was  grand,  and  the  prairie  afforded  much 
food  for  reflection.  In  all  the  places  we  visited  there,  we 
found  many  thrifty  colored  Americans,  their  cabins  and 
farms  showing  thrift  and  enterprise.  Some  of  them  had 
good  churches  and  schools,  especially  at  Dallas,  Austin, 
Houston,  and  Galveston.  We  visited  an  institution  at  Mar 
shall,  supported  by  the  Episcopalians,  a  gentleman  from  the 
West  Indies  being  its  principal. 

We  received  the  same  treatment  on  the  trains  as  our 
people  are  accustomed  to  in  the  South ;  we  shared  with  the 
emigrants.  Our  train  was  crowded,  and  at  night  the  cries 
of  the  children  kept  us  awake.  The  foreign  languages  and 
costumes  added  considerably  to  the  novelty.  We  ventured 
out  to  the  hotels  and  lunch  stands;  at  several  we  were 
accommodated  and  at  others  refused.  At  Herne  we  called 
for  a  cup  of  coffee,  but  the  waiter  must  have  been  deaf  and 
dumb,  as  he  never  answered  nor  opened  his  mouth,  so  I 
supposed  he  was  a  negro-hater,  and  I  concluded  to  "let 
Ephraim  alone." 


88  UNITED    BROTHERS    OF    FRIENDSHIP. 

At  Austin  we  had  a  grand  time  with  the  brethren,  lectur 
ing  and  setting  things  right  generally.  We  visited  the  Capi 
tol,  a  beautiful  stone  building.  The  brethren  had  our  pho 
tograph  taken  as  a  token  of  their  esteem. 

At  Houston  we  were  on  the  track  of  Foster,  as  he  was  in 
the  city.  A  committee  was  sent  to  inform  him  of  our  ar 
rival,  and  a  meeting  was  arranged  for  9  o'clock.  But  lo ! 
at  that  hour  the  bird  had  flown  to  San  Antonio.  We  had  a 
grand  time  at  Houston  with  the  lodge  and  temple,  and  then 
left  for  Galveston. 

We  arrived  safely  in  Galveston,  and  went  out  in  the  after 
noon  with  Bro.  Moses  Morris  to  view  the  city.  A  rain  came 
down  upon  us,  and  it  continued  from  Tuesday  until  Thurs 
day  night.  We  were  water-bound.  The  water  was  up  to 
the  floors  of  the  street-cars  and  the  inhabitants  were  floating 
around  in  skiffs.  I  began  to  think  of  some  mode  of  escape, 
but  I  was  surrounded  by  the  gulf  and  the  bay  and  the  river 
and  a  three-mile  trestle  to  cross  to  get  to  land.  Friday  was 
clear,  the  waters  had  subsided,  and  we  had  a  glorious  time. 
Saturday  we  left,  delighted  with  our  trip. 

The  meeting  of  the  National  Grand  Lodge  in  Galveston 
July,  1884,  left  some  pleasing  reminiscences  which  will  ever 
be  remembered  by  the  visitors  to  the  Lone  Star  State,  espe 
cially  those  from  the  more  northern  States  and  the  delegates 
who  had  never  been  so  far  south,  consequently,  they  were  look 
ing  for  strange  sights.  The  delegations  from  Ohio,  Indiana, 
Kentucky,  and  Illinois  met  at  Cairo,  and  the  Tennessee  and  Ar 
kansas  delegation  met  at  Milan  junction.  We  were  introduced 
by  Grand  Master  Hill,  and  soon  became  as  one  family.  We 
found  the  brethren  kind  and  affable,  and  the  ladies  graceful 
and  dignified.  The  most  elite  of  the  Anglo-race  could  not 
have  displayed  more  refinement  than  this  delegation.  A 


SECOND    EPOCH.  89 

special  conductor  was  appointed  to  accompany  us  the  entire 
route.  Telegraphic  communications  were  forwarded  to  the 
hotels  and  restaurants  for  meals.  In  the  State  of  Texas  we 
were  accommodated  at  some  hotels  and  at  others  we  were 
denied  the  privilege.  Our  train  was  closely  scrutinized  by 
the  Texans  and  inquiries  made  if  we  were  emigrants,  and 
to  what  locality,  etc.  The  trip  was  a  lengthy  one  on  account 
of  wrecks  ahead  of  us.  We  left  Louisville  on  Thursday  and 
arrived  at  Galveston  on  Monday  night.  On  Sunday  even 
ing  we  missed  connection  at  a  junction  and  we  camped  on 
the  suburbs  of  a  small  town.  We  were  accommodated  at 
the  hotel  with  supper  and  breakfast.  The  landlord  and  his 
family  served  us  as  though  we  were  white.  In  camp  we  en 
tertained  ourselves  with  songs  and  speech-making.  Nearly 
all  the  inhabitants  of  the  little  village  came  out  to  our  meet 
ing.  Late  at  night  a  few  cow-boys  annoyed  us  by  shooting 
around  our  camp,  and  caused  us  to  put  out  sentinels  com 
posed  of  the  members  of  Garrison  Camp  under  Captain 
General  Johnson.  We  left  on  Monday  at  10  A.  M.  and 
arrived  at  Galveston  at  9  P.  M.  Our  arrival  was  greeted 
with  cheers  by  a  waiting  assembly  of  citizens  and  members 
of  the  Order.  We  were  kindly  conducted  to  our  lodgings, 
and  received  the  hospitality  of  the  citizens  during  our  stay. 
The  scenery  was  interesting.  A  view  of  the  Gulf  of  Mexico, 
the  strand  and  bathings  on  the  sea  shore,  the  gathering  of 
shells  by  our  ladies  during  the  morning  strolls,  all  added  to 
our  pleasure.  Galveston  turned  out  in  force  on  the  day  of 
the  parade.  Thousands  thronged  the  streets  to  witness  the 
splendid  cortege.  The  impression  made  will  be  a  lasting 
one.  All  the  delegates  returned  delighted  with  the  trip  ex 
cept  two,  who  lingered  behind  to  continue  the  stroll  longer 
on  the  beach,  which  finally  ended  in  a  wedding  in  the  Lone 


90  UNITED    BROTHERS    OF    FRIENDSHIP. 

Star  State  between  Hon.  J.  W.  Woolfolk  and  a  lady  of 
Frankfort,  Ky. 

The  meeting  of  the  Grand  Temple  was  largely  attended 
and  considerable  business  transacted  by  the  ladies.  A  reso 
lution  passed  and  offered  to  the  National  Grand  Lodge  for  ap 
proval,  asking  for  a  united  Grand  Lodge,  composed  of  male 
and  female,  with  the  right  to  vote  for  Grand  Officers,  created 
considerable  debate  and  confusion.  The  resolution  was 
tabled,  and  a  counter  resolution  passed  to  discontinue  the 
Grand  Temple  and  the  presence  of  ladies  at  our  Grand 
meetings. 

The  meeting  adjourned,  with  many  regrets  by  the  friends 
of  the  ladies. 

At  the  morning  session,  after  the  reading  of  the  minutes, 
Father  Gibson  asked  permission  to  make  a  few  remarks, 
which  was  granted.  He  reviewed  the  proceedings  relating 
to  the  ladies,  and  showed  the  bad  effect  that  it  would  produce 
in  the  Order.  He  reviewed  the  temples  from  their  organ 
izations  and  showed  the  good  they  had  done.  In  many  cities 
they  had  been  the  forerunners  in  organizing,  when  men  stood 
aloof  from  us.  He  stated  that  in  nearly  every  organization 
in  the  country,  State  and  international,  females  were  recog 
nized;  they  traveled  far  and  near  to  build  up  the  various  in 
stitutions  and  help  raise  fallen  humanity.  His  time  was  up, 
but  he  was  permitted  to  proceed.  After  his  speech  the  reso 
lution  was  reconsidered  by  a  very  large  majority,  and  the 
Grand  Temple  has  survived  the  gloom  of  that  evening's  pro 
ceedings,  and  since  then  thousands  of  females  have  been 
added  to  the  roll  of  membership. 

ARKANSAS. 

At  Little  Rock  we  were  entertained  by  Bro.  Kern,  and 
the  brethren  and  sisters  made  it  very  pleasant  for  us.  We 


SECOND    EPOCH.  91 

visited  schools,  churches,  and  the  various  enterprises  of  our 
people.  We  found  them  in  business  and  patronizing  each 
other,  also  in  the  City  Council  and  other  departments  of  the 
municipality. 

LOUISIANA. 

The  United  Brothers  of  Friendship  banner  was  first  un 
furled  at  Shrevesport,  in  the  northwestern  part  of  the  State. 
Our  visit  to  that  city  was  received  with  all  the  honors  due 
our  position  in  the  Order.  We  were  met  at  the  depot  by  a 
committee  of  brothers  and  sisters  and  escorted  to  Bro.  John 
son's,  and  royally  treated  for  one  week.  We  had  a  large 
amount  of  work  to  perform,  such  as  initiations  in  the  several 
degrees,  knighthood,  and  temple  work.  We  dispatched  for 
Grand  Master  Todd,  of  Galveston,  Texas,  to  come  over  and 
assist  us.  He  came  immediately,  and  we  labored  together 
and  put  Louisiana  in  working  order.  We  were  dined  by 
the  citizens  of  Shrevesport  in  a  manner  that  we  shall  not 
forget.  After  our  labors  were  over,  the  Order  had  a  grand 
parade  and  a  meeting  in  the  hall,  where  speaking  and  music 
enlivened  the  large  audience.  The  principal  business  of  the 
city  is  the  cotton  trade,  of  which  our  people  are  largely  in 
terested.  The  colored  representative  of  that  district,  Sena 
tor  Harper,  visited  us  and  showed  great  admiration  for  our 
Order  and  its  workings. 

S.  M.  Todd,  Grand  Master  of  Texas,  related  some  thrill 
ing  adventures  while  organizing  lodges  in  his  State  on  several 
occasions.  He  was  mobbed  and  cruelly  treated  by  the  out 
laws  that  inhabit  that  section  of  country.  On  one  occasion, 
he  went  into  a  store  to  purchase  a  handkerchief;  he  asked 
for  the  article  that  he  wanted,  and  was  told  that  such  was  for 
white  people — bandanas  were  for  negroes — and  said  that  he 
was  a  northern  negro  putting  on  airs.  There  was  a  party 


92  UNITED    BROTHERS    OF    FRIENDSHIP. 

sitting  around  the  store,  and  they  immediately  began  to  twit 
him  about  his  clothing;  his  beaver  hat  was  obnoxious  to 
them ;  they  swore  that  he  was  from  New  York  and  that  he 
should  deliver  a  greenback  speech.  They  placed  a  box  in 
the  center  of  the  store,  made  him  mount  it,  pointed  their 
pistols  at  him,  and  then  shot  at  his  hat,  several  balls  passing 
through  it;  they  also  forced  him  to  drink  from  a  jug  of 
whisky.  He  was  so  alarmed  and  frightened  that  he  fell 
prostrate  to  the  floor,  and  an  old  colored  lady,  who  saw  the 
treatment,  begged  them  not  to  kill  him.  They  promised  her 
that  if  she  would  take  him  away  they  would  spare  him. 
They  took  his  satchel,  ripped  it  open,  and  discovered  that  he 
was  a  Grand  Master;  they  taunted  him,  and  warned  him 
never  to  be  caught  in  that  neighborhood  again. 

At  another  time,  while  holding  a  meeting,  the  lodge  was 
assailed  by  a  klan  and  several  were  injured;  some  jumped 
from  the  windows;  others  were  beaten  by  the  mob.  These 
are  some  of  the  trials  incident  to  organizing  in  those  districts 
where  outlaws  rule  the  community.  But  amid  it  all,  we  have, 
through  the  determined  efforts  of  such  men  as  Todd,  Van- 
buren,  Collins,  Mitchell,  and  White,  made  Texas  one  of  our 
strongholds. 

Marshall,  Texas,  was  reached  on  Saturday  night,  and  our 
train  proceeded  no  further.  We  laid  over  all  day  Sunday 
and  formed  some  acquaintances.  They  had  no  lodge  there, 
but  a  few  members  from  Jefferson,  about  sixteen  miles  dis 
tant,  upon  hearing  that  I  was  there,  sent  Bro.  Hernado,  who 
drove  over  in  his  wagon,  requesting  me  to  visit  Jefferson 
members ;  but  for  fear  of  missing  the  train  at  night  I  did 
not  go.  I  attended  church  at  n  A.  M.,  and  at  3  P.  M.  wor 
shiped  in  the  court-house  with  an  A.  M.  E.  congregation, 
who  had  no  church  building.  I  escaped  the  klan  of  which 


SECOND    EPOCH.  93 

Bro.  Todd  related,  but  I  met  a  chinch  klan  that  annoyed  me 
terribly  on  Saturday  night. 

ALABAMA. 

Our  trip  to  Huntsville  was  an  interesting  one,  from  the 
fact  that  it  was  one  of  those  States  where  negro  supremacy 
was  supposed  to  have  the  ascendency  at  that  time.  On  our 
arrival  we  were  kindly  received  by  Bro.  Roberts  and  the 
members  of  lodge  and  temple.  They  were  organized,  but 
had  not  the  secret  work.  We  conferred  degrees  and  in 
stalled  officers.  They  had  a  street  parade  of  a  very  creditable 
showing,  public  speaking  at  the  Fair  Grounds,  and  for  the 
first  time  I  had  the  pleasure  of  seeing  the  Juvenile  Brothers' 
drill — a  squad  of  boys  from  the  ages  of  twelve  to  sixteen 
years,  numbering  about  twenty-five — equipped  and  uniformed 
in  Revolutionary  style,  commanded  by  a  drill  master  that 
surprised  me  and  many  others  for  their  precision  and  knowl 
edge  of  military  tactics.  They  received  many  eulogies  and 
applauds  for  their  movements. 

The  colored  people  of  Huntsville  were  moving  along  as 
well  as  could  be  expected,  they  were  doing  business  accord 
ing  to  their  means,  and  had  investments  in  real  estate,  gro 
ceries,  etc.  The  schools  and  churches  were  improving.  We 
formed  the  acquaintance  of  Professors  Council,  Goodloe,  and 
Lowery — the  former  was  principal  of  the  public  school,  and 
he  was  highly  appreciated  by  the  people.  Prof.  Lowery, 
who  has  gained  a  wide  reputation  for  his  silk  culture  and  ex 
hibits  throughout  the  United  States,  has  a  large  following 
among  his  people.  He  run  for  the  legislature  in  his  dis 
trict,  but  was  defeated  by  a  small  majority.  We  were  highly 
delighted  with  a  visit  to  Miss  Ross,  the  organist  and  pianist 
of  the  Methodist  Church.  Miss  Ross  is  one  of  the  most 


94  UNITED    BROTHERS    OF    FRIENDSHIP. 

brilliant  musicians  of  the  South,  and  a  native  Kentuckian. 
Her  father,  Rev.  Liberty  Ross,  was  an  intimate  associate  of 
ours,  and  pastor  of  Quinn  Chapel,  Louisville,  Ky. ,  during 
the  war.  Sunday  we  visited  the  churches  and  Sunday- 
schools,  and  all  had  large  congregations. 

We  were  indebted  to  Bro.  Lawless  for  a  ride  upon  the 
mountains  that  surround  Huntsville,  from  whose  summit  the 
States  of  Tennessee,  Mississippi,  and  Georgia  are  seen.  That 
trip  was  a  memorable  one.  We  were  up  above  the  clouds, 
apparently,  and  a  terrible  storm  was  raging  beneath  us — 
thunder  roared,  lightning  played  its  antics  as  vivid  as  we  have 
ever  witnessed — finally  we  were  in  it  and  nearly  drowned, 
our  wagon  being  filled  with  water  and  our  body  thoroughly 
drenched,  yet  we  enjoyed  our  visit  and  desired  to  stay  longer 
in  Alabama,  for  our  treatment  was  the  most  hospitable. 

ILLINOIS. 

Received  in  Chicago  by  Bros.  I.  Walters  and  Alex.  Tay 
lors.  Having  planted  our  Order  firmly  on  the  Gulf,  we  were 
delighted  with  the  idea  of  reaching  from  the  Gulf  on  the  south, 
to  the  Lakes  on  the  north.  Clubs  were  formed  for  a  lodge 
and  temple.  Everything  being  prepared  we  organized  them, 
and  unfurled  the  banner  of  the  United  Brothers  of  Friend 
ship  and  Sisters  of  the  Mysterious  Ten  in  Chicago.  A  grand 
reception  was  given  at  the  close,  and  we  were  the  recipients 
of  a  pair  of  gold  eye-glasses  by  the  ladies  of  Mount  Hope 
Temple. 

Our  second  visit  to  Chicago  was  equally  as  pleasant. 
Another  temple  was  organized,  and  composed  of  the  younger 
class  of  females,  and  as  intelligent  and  promising  as  any  that 
we  have  met  anywhere  in  our  travels. 


SECOND    EPOCH.  95 

INDIANA. 

Sister  Hart,  a  faithful  sister  of  St.  Mary's  Temple  No.  2, 
of  Louisville,  located  at  Indianapolis,  and  through  her  in 
fluence  we  were  enabled  to  enroll  and  organize  the  banner 
temple  of  the  State.  Through  the  influence  of  the  sisters 
we  were  soon  called  again  to  organize  a  lodge  and  another 
temple.  We  had  many  friends  in  that  city  whose  acquaint 
ance  we  formed  during  the  war,  and  they  rallied  to  our 
standard,  and  our  success  was  all  that  the  heart  could  wish. 
Evansville,  the  home  of  the  three  United  Brothers  of  Friend 
ship  giants  of  the  State,  Bros.  Asbury,  Morton,  and  Wash 
ington,  gave  us  a  grand  reception.  The  lodges  and  temples 
there  were  up  to  the  highest  standard  and  proficiency  of  the 
Order.  New  Albany  and  Jeffersonville  have  received  many 
visits  from  us,  being  on  the  border  of  Kentucky.  We  have 
almost  considered  them  in  our  bailiwick.  They  have  three 
temples,  one  camp,  and  two  lodges  there.  We  granted  them 
charters  and  set  them  to  work.  They  present  a  fine  appear 
ance  when  assembled,  and  have  an  intelligent  corps  of 
officers. 

The  Grand  Lodge  of  Indiana  is  composed  of  good  ma 
terial,  and  their  officers,  Bros.  Asbury,  Morton,  Washington, 
and  Birney,  reinforced  by  Prof.  C.  S.  Pritchard,  Seymour, 
Parks,  and  Harris,  are  competent.  They  have  formerly  met 
in  joint  session,  male  and  female,  as  in  Ohio,  but  they  have 
increased  in  numbers  and  finance,  so  that  each  division  can 
meet  separately.  We  have  spent  some  very  pleasant  hours  in 
their  sessions.  . 

Our  visit  to  their  last  session  in  1893  convinced  us  of  the 
demand  for  a  history  of  our  organization.  The  National 
Grand  Master  was  present  and  witnessed  their  expression  in 


96  UNITED    BROTHERS    OF    FRIENDSHIP. 

that  direction.  We  consulted  and  resolved  to  issue  one. 
The  educational  facilities  of  the  State  are  excellent,  and  we 
have  a  number  of  the  cultured  of  the  State  composing  their 
membership. 

OHIO. 

Cincinnati,  the  Queen  City  of  the  West,  had  a  noble 
representative  in  the  person  of  Bro.  Wm.  Smith,  of  Friend 
ship  Lodge  No.  i,  of  Louisville.  Having  removed  from  our 
city  and  located  in  Cincinnati,  his  desire  was  to  see  a  branch 
of  the  Order  established  in  Ohio.  We  corresponded,  and 
soon  a  pro  tern,  lodge  was  in  existence.  Our  services  for 
organizing  and  granting  them  a  charter  was  asked  and  we 
responded.  Berkley  Temple,  our  female  representative,  re 
ceived  its  name  from  Sister  Amanda  Berkley,  a  very  estima 
ble  lady,  and  the  most  efficient  worker  in  the  organization 
of  that  temple.  We  granted  them  a  charter  and  set  them  to 
work,  with  a  very  efficient  corps  of  officers. 

At  Dayton  we  were  represented  in  the  persons  of  Bro. 
A.  W.  Jackson  and  wife,  who  worked  so  assiduously  to 
organize  a  pro  tern,  body  of  United  Brothers  of  Friendship 
and  Sisters  of  the  Mysterious  Ten.  They  were  successful, 
and  Dayton  can  boast  of  an  organization  second  to  no  other 
in  the  State.  We  visited  them,  and  were  highly  delighted 
with  the  composition  of  that  body  of  ladies  and  gentlemen. 

We  have  visited  the  Grand  Lodge  of  Ohio  on  several  oc 
casions,  and  we  can  truly  say  that  it  is  a  representative  body, 
though  deviating  somewhat  from  our  general  rules  in  that 
they  meet  conjointly  or  as  a  consolidated  body,  lodges  and 
temples  doing  their  annual  business  in  the  same  session. 
Circumstances  over  which  they  had  no  control  was  the  cause 
of  this  digression.  Our  cause,  though,  has  lost  nothing  by 
this  seeming  violation ;  for  it  is  a  fact,  that  we  found  in 


J.   H.  AYERS, 

Cincinnati,  (). 
G.  M.  OF   OHIO. 


A.  j.  DEHART, 

Ohio. 
PRESIDENT    ENDOWMENT. 


SECOND    EPOCH.  97 

organizing  our  Order,  especially  in  northern  cities,  that  the 
females  were  first  to  receive  it.  Other  orders  had  preceded 
us  and  claiming  connection  with  organizations  whose  founders 
were  white  men  and  with  a  history  antedating  hundreds  of 
years.  The  men  of  those  cities  were  slow  to  welcome  an 
order  whose  founders  were  Negroes,  and  largely  of  the  late- 
bondsmen.  For  several  years  our  greatest  support  was  de 
rived  from  the  women  of  Indiana,  Illinois,  and  Ohio.  In 
dianapolis,  Cincinnati,  and  Chicago  furnished  the  nucleus, 
but  by  persistent  efforts,  with  efficient  officers,  we  can  boast 
of  a  strong  organization  of  intelligent  men  and  women  as 
any  order  extant. 

The  first  Grand  Master  of  Ohio,  Wm.  Smith,  deserves 
great  credit  for  his  untiring  zeal  in  the  interests  of  the  Order. 
Having  never  been  married,  he  keeps  a  suite  of  parlors  for 
the  accommodation  of  the  local  and  visiting  brothers.  On 
several  occasions  visiting  camps  have  been  the  recipients  of 
his  hospitality.  The  services  of  Grand  Master  Smith  will 
ever  be  appreciated  by  the  U.  B.  F.  and  S.  M.  T.  of  Ohio, 
and  the  entire  brotherhood.  Bro.  Smith  was  ably  supported 
by  Bros.  T.  W.  Johnson,  Chas.  Burkley,  Fitzhugh,  Belle,  and 
other  faithful  brothers.  Two  among  the  most  prominent, 
Bros.  Belle,  First  Knight  Commander  of  Belle  Camp,  for 
whom  it  was  named,  and  Knight  Commander  Wood,  have 
finished  their  work,  and  have  gone  to  reap  their  reward 
in  that  far  better  land  of  the  blest.  Belle  Camp  mourns  the 
loss  of  these  Valiant  Knights. 

This  Grand  Lodge  has  also  become  strong  enough  to 
organize  and  meet  in  separate  sessions,  with  a  Grand  Tem 
ple,  under  W.  T.  Peyton's  administration. 

Rev.  R.  C.  Benjamin,  Past  Grand  Master  of  Ohio,  joined 
uider  the  administration  of  National  Grand  Master  F.  D. 

7 


98  UNITED    BROTHERS    OF    FRIENDSHIP. 

Morton.  He  has  been  a  conspicuous  worker  in  the  Order 
for  the  past  ten  years,  having  served  as  Grand  National  Or 
ganizer,  establishing  lodges  and  temples  in  portions  of  Ala 
bama,  Pennsylvania,  New  York,  New  Jersey,  and  District 
of  Columbia. 

He  published  The  Triangle,  a  newspaper  devoted  to  the 
interest  of  the  Order,  at  Birmingham,  Ala.,  in  the  year  1892. 
This  paper,  we  believe,  aroused  the  interest  of  the  Order  in 
that  State,  notwithstanding  a  lodge  and  temple  had  been 
organized  at  Huntsville  for  twenty-years,  and  was  repre 
sented  at  the  first  State  Grand  Lodge  in  Kentucky. 

The  following  ode  was  composed  by  him  for  a  Thanks 
giving  service : 

ODE. 

BY    REV.    R.    C.    O.    BENJAMIN. 

Tell  who  are  they  who  ever  stand 

Along  life's  rugged  way, 
With  pitying  heart  and  helping  hand 

Misfortune's  tear  to  stay; 

Who  from  the  pleadings  of  the  poor 

Ne'er  turn  their  ear  aside; 
Whose  footsteps  often  seek  the  door 

Where  woe  and  want  abide. 

The  generous  band,  who,  hand  in  hand, 

From  grey-beard  to  the  youth, 
Have  sworn  they  side  by  side  will  stand 

In  Justice,  Mercy,  Truth. 

See,  stretched  on  yonder  bed  of  death, 

A  widowed  mother  lies — 
"  My  orphan  babes,"  with  struggling  breath 
And  faltering  voice,  she  cries. 

"O,  who  your  young  and  tender  forms 

From  sorrow's  grasp  will  save, 
Or  shield  you  from  life's  crushing  storms 
When  I  am  in  my  grave  ?  " 


I 


WM.  SMITH, 

P.  G.  M.  OP'  OHIO. 


W.  T.  LINTHECOME, 

Cincinnati,  O. 
ORGANIZER    OF    THE   ENDOWMENT    FUND. 


SECOND    EPOCH.  99 

Have  peace,  loved  one,  kind  friends  are  nigh, 

Who'll  guard  their  tender  youth, 
And  round  them  twine  the  hallowed  tie 

Of  Justice,  Mercy,  Truth. 

Speed  on,  ye  S.  M.  T.,  speed  on  ; 

And  blessings  with  you  go, 
Still  aid  the  widow  in  her  need, 

And  soothe  the  orphan's  woe. 

Still  by  the  heart-sick  stranger's  side, 

With  words  of  kindness  stay, 
And  bid  the  deep  and  troubled  tide 

Of  sorrow  pass  away. 

And  U.  B.  F.,  long  may  ye  stand, 

The  grey-beard  and  the  youth  ; 
Shoulder  to  shoulder,  head,  heart,  and  hand, 

In  Justice,  Mercy,  Truth. 


TENNESSEE. 

Memphis. — One  of  the  grandest  displays  ever  witnessed 
by  the  members  of  our  Order  was  that  of  the  Grand  Temple 
banquet  and  celebration  during  the  session  of  1886.  Grand 
Master  Wm.  Porter  had  proclaimed  that  his  angels  would 
astonish  the  fraternity.  His  sayings  were  verified  on  the 
night  of  the  entertainment.  Five  hundred  ladies,  dressed  in 
white  and  formed  in  lines  of  two,  marched  into  the  park 
which  contained  a  large  amphitheater.  On  the  balcony  was 
seated  a  military  band  which  discoursed  fine  music.  At  the 
command  of  the  Grand  Marshal  the  doors  were  thrown  open 
and  the  procession  marched  into  the  hall,  led  by  the  Grand 
Supporter,  with  staff  in  hand.  They  formed  in  front  of  the 
stage,  on  the  lower  floor,  being  the  first  division.  Second 
division,  Royal  Household,  in  purple.  Third  division,  Grand 
Princesses,  in  royal  robes  and  cro\\ms  decked  with  jewels. 
Fourth  division,  Third  Degree  members.  Fifth  division, 
Valiant  Knights.  The  stage  was  reserved  for  the  Grand 


100  UNITED    BROTHERS    OF    FRIENDSHIP. 

Princesses  and  Grand  Officers.  The  balconies  were  occu 
pied  with  the  vast  assembly. 

G.  W.  Bryant,  National  Grand  Orator  of  the  occasion, 
made  an  oration  that  excelled  in  brilliancy  all  others.  His 
logical  reasoning  on  the  future  greatness  and  advancement 
of  the  Negro  race  was  a  masterly  one,  and  will  ever  be  re 
membered  by  those  who  appreciate  good  speaking. 

Chicago's  Grand  Temple  display  was  also  interesting. 
The  entertainment  was  of  a  different  character;  it  consisted 
more  of  a  literary  display;  music,  of  a  classic  style,  essays, 
fan  drills  by  the  Juvenile  Misses,  and  a  grand  promenade  of 
the  Grand  Temple  and  Household  in  their  royal  robes. 
They  presented  a  scene  that  is  seldom  witnessed  by  our 
people.  Without  these  displays  by  the  Grand  Temple  our 
Grand  Assemblage  would  lose  much  of  its  interest.  The 
large  hall  was  crowded  and  many  were  turned  away.  The 
Grand  Temple  is  a  great  institution. 

GRAND  CAMP  SESSION,   AT  LITTLE  ROCK,   ARK.,  JULY  23,   1894. 

The  Grand  Camp  was  called  to  order  at  2  o'clock  p.  M., 
in  the  U.  B.  F.  Hall. 

National  Grand  Commander  Jesse  Montgomery  in  the 
chair,  and  all  the  National  Grand  Officers  in  their  repective 
stations. 

The  meeting  was  harmonious.  The  proceedings  showed 
considerable  improvement  in  the  work  of  camps,  with  many 
additions.  Some  inconvenience  was  incurred  by  the.  two 
bodies  meeting  at  the  same  time,  as  many  of  the  delegates 
to  the  National  Grand  Lodge  were  members  of  the  Grand 
Camp.  This  matter  was  discussed,  and  a  resolution  passed 
changing  the  time  of  meeting  of  the  Grand  Camp  to  every 
two  years,  so  as  not  to  conflict  with  the  National  Grand 
Lodge. 


B.  LUSTER, 

Little  Rock,  Ark. 

N.  G.  C. 


W.  H.  BUTLER, 

Missouri. 
N.  K.  R. 


SECOND    EPOCH.  i'OI 

Logan  Camp,  from  Lexington,  Ky.,  visited  Little  Rock, 
and  entered  for  the  prize  drill.  These  Valiant  Knights  made 
a  grand  display.  Their  regulations  were  complete;  their 
drilling  was  perfect ;  they  made  the  highest  per  cent,  on  the 
schedule,  and  won  the  prize.  The  Valiant  Knights  of  Little 
Rock  entertained  the  visiting  knights  with  a  grand  banquet, 
and  it  was  an  enjoyable  affair. 

The  grand  parade  was  witnessed  by  at  least  five  thousand 
people,  who  cheered  them  as  they  passed  in  their  knightly 
apparel.  At  night  the  park  was  crowded.  Knight  Com 
mander  Lustre,  of  Little  Rock,  and  Grand  Master  Robin 
son,  supported  by  the  Temple  Sisters,  will  ever  be  remem 
bered  for  their  hospitality. 

GRAND    LODGE    OF    KENTUCKY. 

The  thirty-fourth  annual  session  was  held  at  Covington, 
Ky.,  in  August,  1895.  Grand  Master  Gains'  sixth  term. 
Upon  being  introduced,  Hon.  Rhinock,  Mayor  of  the  city, 
delivered  the  welcome  address  as  follows : 

11 1  am  pleased  to  welcome  you  to  this  city.  You  should 
be  congratulated  upon  such  an  organization,  which,  I  am 
informed,  was  organized  in  1861.  I  believe  about  sixteen 
years  ago,  when  I  was  a  boy  running  around  the  city  of 
Covington,  you  met  here  in  this  city.  I  am  told  Kentucky 
is  the  birth-place  of  the  Order  and  it  has  grown  from  seven 
men  to  200,000  in  the  United  States.  I  am  eminently 
pleased  to  say  a  few  words  in  commendation  of  your  execu 
tive  officer  and  our  worthy  and  esteemed  citizen,  W.  A. 
Gains,  a  man  who  stands  high  in  the  esteem  of  the  citizens 
of  this  city.  I  congratulate  you  upon  your  Orphans'  Home, 
for  all  of  your  acts  are  charitable  and  benevolent,  and  again, 
as  Mayor  of  this  city,  I  welcome  you  in  an  official  capacity." 

These  remarks  were  responded  to  by  H.  S.  Smith,  of 
Hopkinsville,  in  behalf  of  the  Order. 


102  UNITED    BROTHERS    OF    FRIENDSHIP. 

The  session  continued  for  three  days,  and  was  one  of  the 
most  interesting  sessions  of  this  Grand  Body.  Grand  Mas 
ter  R.  C.  O.  Benjamin,  of  Ohio,  addressed  the  meeting,  and 
also  presented  to  the  Grand  Lodge  an  original  African  gavel, 
made  from  iron-wood,  that  belonged  at  one  time  to  the 
Speaker  of  the  House  of  Representatives  at  Liberia,  but 
was  brought  to  this  country  by  the  Colonization  Society. 
Grand  Master  Gains  received  the  gavel  as  a  memento  for 
the  archives  of  the  Order. 

The  report  of  Grand  Secretary  E.  W.  Marshall  shows 
receipts  for  two  years,  as  follows:  Receipts,  $4,680.33;  ex 
pended,  $4,647.53;  balance,  $32.91.  Of  this  amount 
$2,500  has  been  spent  on  the  improvements  of  the  Home. 
Thirteen  hundred  bushels  of  oats  were  gathered  by  the 
farmer  this  year  off  of  seventy-five  acres  of  land. 

For  other  business  of  importance,  see  Grand  Lodge  min 
utes. 

The  Grand  Lodge  closed  with  a  grand  parade  at  Coving- 
ton,  Ky.,  and  Cincinnati,  O.  Ten  thousand  visitors  from 
nearly  every  town  and  city  in  Kentucky  thronged  Covington 
and  Cincinnati  to  witness  the  closing  scene  of  the  Grand 
Lodge.  After  parading  the  principal  streets  of  the  two  cities 
ranks  were  broken  and  the  vast  concourse  of  people  pro 
ceeded  to  Price's  Hill,  where  a  grand  promenade  concert, 
speeches,  and  a  prize  drill  was  given  by  the  camps.  The 
procession  was  headed  by  National  Grand  Commander  Jesse 
Montgomery  and  staff,  mounted  on  chargers;  Valiant  Knights 
S.  J.  Franklin,  W.  L.  Linthecombe,  of  Cincinnati,  O.,  W.  S. 
Martin,  and  J.K.C.  W.  L.  Johnson,  P.  N.  C.,  of  Louisville, 
Ky.  The  present  and  past  officers  and  Sisters  of  the  Mys 
terious  Ten  were  in  carriages.  Thus  ended  one  of  the  grand 
est  and  most  remarkable  Grand  Lodge  sessions  of  the  State. 


SECOND    EPOCH.  103 

The  following  camps  visited  the  Grand  Lodge  of  Ken 
tucky  and  formed  the  grand  parade  from  Covington,  Ky.,  to 
Price's  Hill,  Cincinnati,  O.,  August,  1895:  Belle  Camp,  of 
Cincinnati,  O. ;  Logan  Camp,  of  Lexington,  Ky.  ;  Gains 
Camp,  of  Cynthiana,  Ky.  ;  Belle  Camp,  of  Louisville,  Ky. ; 
Franklin  Camp,  of  Georgetown,  Ky.  ;  Golden  Eagle  Camp, 
of  Winchester,  Ky. ;  David  Camp,  of  Covington,  Ky.  ;  De- 
hart  Camp,  of  Walnut  Hills,  O.,  and  Juniors,  of  Madison- 
ville,  O. 

The  thirty-fifth  annual  session  was  held  at  Covington, 
Ky. ,  in  August,  1895.  The  instructions  of  the  National 
Grand  Lodge  were  carried  out  or  confirmed  by  assuming  the 
entire  control  of  the  Widow  and  Orphans'  Home  property. 
Provisions  were  made  for  meeting  these  notes  as  they  be 
came  due.  Assessments  were  made  on  all  of  the  depart 
ments  of  the  Order,  and  ere  the  next  National  Grand 
meeting,  in  July,  1897,  the  officers  expect  to  have  the  entire 
debt  eliminated.  The  report  of  the  State  Grand  Lodge  of 
1896,  at  Harrodsburg,  is  quite  a  luminous  one,  and  it  shows 
wonderful  tact  and  determination  in  the  members  of  the 
various  departments  to  secure  the  Home  to  the  grand  old 
Order,  and  that  united  they  stand  in  this  herculean  effort. 
The  Secretary's  report  shows  a  financial  membership  of 
lodges  of  3,515,  temples  of  3,497,  and  cash  receipts  $2,- 
884.01.  Paid  on  the  Orphanage  since  the  close  of  the  Grand 
Lodge  of  1895,  $965;  balance  due  on  the  Home,  $2,170.88. 

ORPHAN    AND    DEPENDENT    HOME. 

This  house,  purchased  in  1891  by  the  Grand  Lodge  of 
Kentucky,  contains  two  hundred  and  thirty-four  acres,  at  a 
cost  of  six  thousand  dollars.  It  is  situated  on  a  beautiful 
tract  of  land,  twelve  miles  from  the  city  of  Louisville,  on  the 


104  UNITED    BROTHERS    OF    FRIENDSHIP. 

L.  &  N.  R.  R.  It  has  one  fine  dwelling-house  of  six  rooms, 
a  smaller  house,  barns,  stables,  out-houses,  and  plenty  of 
good  water.  It  contains  two  hundred  acres  of  cleared  land 
and  thirty-four  acres  of  woods. 

The  Secretary's  report  for  1896  to  the  State  Grand  Lodge 
is  as  follows : 

Stock  on  farm — 5  cows,  i  calf,  2  colts,  i  sow,  14  hogs, 
35  hens,  15  roosters,  70  young  chickens,  14  turkeys,  32 
geese,  20  ducks,  3  ricks  of  clover,  30  acres  of  corn,  100 
bushels  of  corn  over  from  1895,  ^o00  bushels  of  sheafed 
oats,  i  trial  patch  of  tobacco,  i  hay  rick,  i  truck,  and  a 
garden  patch. 

Amount  due  on  the  property,  $2,170.88;  sundries, 
$908.13 — total,  $3,079.01. 

The  Sisters'  State  Auxiliary  Board  have  raised  and  do 
nated  this  year  for  the  Home  $50 ;  check  to  the  Grand  Lodge, 
$20 — total,  $70.  LILLIAN  B.  JACKSON,  Sec'y. 

JOINT    LODGE    AND    TEMPLE    U.     B.     F. 

A  remarkable  coincident  attending  our  advancement  as 
an  Order  was  the  seeming  neglect  to  procure  real  estate  in 
the  city  of  Louisville,  after  having  obtained  a  charter  in 
1868  for  that  purpose,  and  a  hall  to  meet  in  exclusively  our 
own,  and  for  the  accommodation  of  our  many  lodges  and 
temples.  For  fifteen  years  the  headquarters  of  the  Order 
was  at  Ninth  and  Market  streets  (Armstrong  Hall).  The 
lodges  and  temples  in  the  smaller  cities  and  villages  had  pre 
ceded  us  in  this  direction.  Thousands  of  dollajs  were  paid 
out  for  hall  rent,  yea,  enough  to  have  purchased  a  hall. 

Thanks  are  due  to  a  few  leading  sisters,  who,  being  desir 
ous  that  we  should  have  a  hall  for  our  lodges  and  temples 
whose  title  should  be  vested  in  the  United  Brothers  of 


MRS.  L.   F.  MARSHALL, 

Kentucky. 
N.  G.  T.  S.  M.  T. 


Miss  M.  V.  WEBSTER, 

Kentucky. 
SECRETARY    OF   JOINT    LODGES    AND    TEMPLES. 


SECOND    EPOCH.  105 

Friendship  and  Sisters  of  the  Mysterious  Ten,  resolved  to 
make  an  effort  and  held  a  number  of  meetings  for  that  pur 
pose.  Among  those  most  prominent  were  Sisters  Jane  Tal- 
bot,  Jane  Webster,  Alice  Roberts,  Louisa  Hedges,  Florence 
Norton,  Hopkins,  Emaline  Lawson,  Grooms,  J.  H.  Taylor, 
Martha  Webster,  and  others.  From  these  meetings  was 
organized  the  Joint  Lodge  and  Temple,  whose  object  was  to 
accumulate  means  to  build  or  purchase  a  hall.  Organized 
March  25,  1886. 

Committee  on  Constitution  and  By-laws — W.  H.  Lawson, 
W.  H.  Gibson,  Mrs.  Jane  Webster,  J.  H.  Kennedy,  Mrs. 
Louisa  Hedges,  Mrs.  Jane  Talbot,  Mrs.  Florence  Norton, 
and  N.  Mathews. 

A  Board  of  Managers  was  appointed,  supported  by  their 
respective  lodges  and  temples,  and  a  hall  purchased.  Each 
lodge  and  temple  is  a  stockholder,  purchasing  as  many 
shares  at  fifty  dollars  ($50)  as  they  could  afford.  The  lodges 
and  temples  moved  into  the  building  as  soon  as  the  first  pay 
ment  was  made,  paying  rent  to  themselves  and  using  every 
effort  to  meet  future  notes  when  due.  So  successful  have 
their  efforts  proven  that  at  a  meeting  held  in  July,  1895,  ^ 
was  resolved  to  purchase  the  adjoining  property  at  a  cost  of 
four  thousand  dollars  ($4,000). 

The  "  Negro  Problem"  is  being  solved  by  our  Order, 
using  the  factors — education,  wealth,  moral  and  Christian 
influence. 

WIDOWS  AND  ORPHANS'  HOME — FURTHER  ACQUISITION  OF 
PROPERTY  BY  THE  ORDER  OF  UNITED  BROTHERS  OF 
FRIENDSHIP. 

At  the  National  Grand  Lodge  meeting  at  Chicago,  111., 
July,  1891,  a  proposition  was  offered  by  Prof.  N.  R.  Harper 
to  donate  200  acres  of  land  at  Centralia  for  a  Widows  and 


106  UNITED    BROTHERS    OF    FRIENDSHIP. 

Orphans'  Home,  also  a  proposition  by  Bro.  A.  Chavis,  of 
Illinois,  for  a  donation  of  fifty  acres  in  Alexander  County, 
Illinois,  for  the  same  purpose. 

A  resolution  was  offered  that  a  committee  be  appointed 
to  investigate  those  locations  of  lands,  etc.,  the  committee 
to  be  composed  of  nine  members  of  the  Executive  Board  or 
Council — the  National  Grand  Master  being  a  member. 

After  the  adjournment  of  the  National  Grand  Lodge,  the 
National  Grand  Master  proceeded  to  select  a  location  in  the 
State  of  Kentucky,  thirteen  miles  from  Louisville,  and  pur 
chased  the  same  in  the  name  of  the  National  Grand  Lodge 
without  the  consent  of  the  majority  of  the  committee  ap 
pointed  by  the  National  Grand  Lodge.  The  amount  of 
money  necessary  to  meet  the  first  note  was  not  raised,  and 
he  consequently  had  to  borrow  one  thousand  dollars  from 
the  Grand  Lodge  of  Kentucky.  The  second  note  became 
due  and  he  applied  to  the  Grand  Lodge  of  Kentucky,  through 
her  Grand  Master  and  Secretary,  for  the  second  loan  of  one 
thousand  dollars,  as  he,  the  representative  of  the  National 
Grand  Lodge,  had  failed  to  raise  or  pay  any  money  on  the 
property.  They  refused  to  loan  the  money  of  the  Grand 
Lodge  of  Kentucky  unless  the  deed  of  the  property  was 
transferred  to  that  lodge,  as  no  money  was  paid  or  raised 
from  any  other  source.  (So  represented). 

The  National  Grand  Master  consented  to  the  transfer, 
and  so  announced  in  his  circular.  The  money  was  paid,  the 
second  note  lifted,  and  the  property  deeded  to  the  Grand 
Lodge  of  Kentucky. 

After  this  deal  the  National  Grand  Master  recanted  and 
endeavored  to  hold  a  claim  to  the  property  in  the  name  of 
the  National  Grand  Lodge.  This  action  caused  much  bit 
terness  and  confusion  between  the  parties,  and  became  a 


SECOND    EPOCH.  107 

matter  of  grievance  before  the  National  Grand  Lodge  at  its 
session  at  Little  Rock,  Ark.,  in  July,  1894.  The  matter 
was  thoroughly  investigated  by  a  committee  appointed  by 
said  body,  and  they  reported  the  following  conclusions  : 

We,  your  special  committee  on  National  Orphans'  Home, 
beg  leave  to  report  that  we  have  carefully  examined  the  Na 
tional  Grand  Master's  report  relative  to  the  National  Or 
phans'  Home  and  the  report  of  the  Chairman  of  the  National 
Orphans'  Home,  Bro.  W.  A.  Gains,  and  we  find  that  the 
transactions  have  been  irregular  from  beginning  to  end,  and 
that  the  edicts  of  this  most  worthy  National  Grand  Lodge 
have  been  ignored,  and  that  instead  of  there  being  purchased 
a  "  Home"  in  the  name  of  the  National  Grand  Lodge  their 
action  has  resulted  in  the  purchase  of  a  home  in  the  name  of 
the  Grand  Lodge  of  Kentucky,  without  the  knowledge  or 
consent  of  the  Committee  on  Orphans'  Home,  thereby 
thwarting  the  great  fundamental  principles  of  the  Order  to 
perpetuate  the  name  of  this  most  worthy  National  Grand 
Lodge  in  caring  for  its  widows  and  orphans.  Therefore,  we 
recommend 

First — That  the  entire  amount  contributed  by  the  several 
States  and  Territories  to  the  fund  known  as  the  Orphans' 
Home  Building  Fund  be  refunded  to  them,  except  Ken 
tucky,  the  National  Grand  Ledge  issuing  its  papers  payable 
on  demand  to  the  several  Grand  Lodges  and  lodges  and  tem 
ples,  said  paper  to  be  receivable  for  all  dues  and  taxes  due, 
or  to  become  due,  the  National  Grand  Lodge  in  amounts 
equal  to  the  amount  contributed ;  that  the  Grand  Lodge  of 
each  State  make  proper  adjustment  with  their  own  subordi 
nate  lodges  and  temples. 

Second — That  the  Home,  with  full  title,  be  transferred 
and  confirmed  to  the  Grand  Lodge  of  Kentucky,  and  that 
the  State  of  Kentucky  assume  all  indebtedness  now  out 
standing  against  the  Home,  which  might  be  construed  as  a 
debt  against  the  National  Grand  Lodge. 

Signed  by  a  committee,  A.  B.  Moore,  chairman,  and  ten 
others. 


108  UNITED    BROTHERS    OF    FRIENDSHIP. 

THE    HISTORY    OF    THE    TEMPLES    AT    CHICAGO,    ILL. 

Sister  P.  N.  G.  A.  S.  of  S.  M.  T.  Powell  stands  prominent 
as  a  defender  of  the  laws  and  customs  of  the  Order.  In 
1885  and  1886,  when,  through  mismanagement  and  sore  op 
pression,  the  female  department  was  nearly  disbanded,  this 
sister  proved  the  heroine  for  the  occasion,  and  with  the 
charter  granted  Mount  Hope  Temple  in  1877,  she  went  be 
fore  the  courts  and  contended  in  a  suit  for  the  right  of  self- 
government  as  a  temple — rights  guaranteed  by  the  charter. 
She  was  sustained,  but  other  technical  points  were  sprung  on 
her,  and  she  appealed  to  the  National  Grand  Lodge  for  two 
sessions  for  the  cardinal  principles  of  Justice,  Mercy,  and 
Truth  in  her  case  and  Mount  Hope  Temple.  Her  course 
was  sustained  by  the  National  Grand  Lodge.  This  decision 
united  all  the  temples  of  that  city,  and  the  result  was  a  united 
front  at  the  Chicago  National  Grand  Lodge.  The  Sisters  of  the 
Mysterious  Ten  distinguished  themselves  as  the  supporters  of 
the  Order  in  that  city,  and  left  lasting  impressions  on  the 
brotherhood  and  visitors  of  their  kind  hospitality  and  Sister 
Powell's  eternal  fidelity  to  the  U.  B.  F.  and  S.  M.  T. 

Sister  Susan  E.  Foster,  of  Denver,  Col.,  the  Mother 
Pioneer  of  the  Order  of  the  Sisters  of  the  Mysterious  Ten, 
was  originally  a  member  of  Mount  Hope  Temple  No.  i,  of 
Chicago,  111.  She  emigrated  to  the  far  West  in  1887,  and 
organized  a  temple  of  S.  M.  T.  There  was  no  brother's 
lodge  there  to  assist  her  in  the  work.  She  organized  a  club, 
set  them  to  work,  and  they  have  sustained  themselves  with 
credit  to  the  Order  which  they  represent.  They  were  repre 
sented  by  Sister  Foster  at  the  National  Grand  Temple  at 
Chicago,  and  at  the  National  Grand  Meeting  at  Little  Rock, 
Ark. 


•, 


MRS.  P.  HART  MAGRUDER, 

Indianapolis,  Ind. 


Miss  GEORGIA  NANCE, 
Evansville,  Ind. 


SECOND    EPOCH.  109 

Sister  Foster  writes  that  she  is  now  in  the  act  of  forming 
a  club  of  gentlemen,  preparatory  to  establishing  a  male  lodge 
of  United  Brothers  of  Friendship.  Her  prayer  is  for  some 
official  organizer  to  visit  Denver  and  assist  in  this  good  work. 

This  is  only  one  of  the  many  instances  where  our  sisters 
have  been  the  pioneers  in  cities  and  in  States.  We  are  in 
separably  joined  heart  and  hand  to  go  forth  through  the 
world  disseminating  the  principles  of  Justice,  Mercy,  and 
Truth. 

NATIONAL    GRAND    OFFICERS    ELECTED    AT    THE    BIENNIAL 
AND    TRIENNIAL    SESSIONS. 

1876— W.  H.  Gibson,  Sr., Kentucky,  N.  G.  M.;  J.T.  Amos, 
Kentucky,  D.  N.  G.  M. ;  E.  F.  Horn,  Indiana,  N.  G.  S.  ; 
R.  C.  Fox,  Kentucky,  N.  G.  T.  ;  F.  Washington,  Indiana, 
N.  G.  T.  ;  W.  B.  Vanburen,  Texas,  N.  G.  T.  ;  E.  P.  Bran- 
nan,  Kentucky,  N.  G.  C.  ;  F.  D.  Morton,  Indiana,  N.  G.  L. 

1878— W.  H.  Gibson,  Sr.,  Kentucky,  N.  G.  M. ;  A.  W. 
Kern,  Arkansas,  D.  N.  G.  M.  ;  E.  F.  Horn,  Indiana,  N. 
G.  S. ;  S.  M.  Todd,  Texas,  A.  N.  G.  S.  ;  J.  W.  Hillman, 
Kentucky,  N.  G.  T.  ;  F.  D.  Morton,  Indiana,  N.  G.  L.  ; 
W.  H.  White,  Kentucky,  N.  G.  C.  ;  Alex.  Walters,  Indiana, 
N.  G.  M. 

1880— F.  D.  Morton,  Indiana,  N.  G.  M. ;  C.  H.  Tandy, 
Missouri,  D.  N.  G.  M.  ;  H.  Fitzbutler,  Kentucky,  N.  G.  S.; 
W.  H.  Mitchell,  Texas,  A.  N.  G.  S.  ;  J.  W.  Hillman,  Ken 
tucky,  N.  G.  T.  ;  N.  S.  Baxter,  Kentucky,  N.  G.  L. 

1882— F.  D.  Morton,  Indiana,  N.  G.  M.  ;  C.  H.  Tandy, 
Missouri,  D.  N.  G.  M. ;  Dr.  H.  Fitzbutler,  Kentucky,  N. 
G.  S.  (Minutes  lost.) 

1884— W.  H.  Lawson,  Kentucky,  N.  G.  M. ;  C.  H. 
Tandy,  Missouri,  D.  N.  G.  M.  ;  M.  T.  White,  Texas,  S.  G.. 


110  UNITED    BROTHERS    OF    FRIENDSHIP. 

D.  ;  F.  C.  Long,  Texas,  N.  G.  S.  ;  J.  T.  Turner,  Tennes 
see,  A.  N.  G.  S.  ;  Win.  Porter,  Tennessee,  N.  G.  T. 

1886— R.  G.  Collins,  Texas,  N.  G.  M.  ;  Dr.  W.  A. 
Burney,  Indiana,  D.  N.  G.  M. ;  A.  B.  Moore,  Missouri,  N. 
G.  S.  ;  W.  A.  Gains,  Kentucky,  A.  N.  G.  S.  ;  Wm.  Porter, 
Tennessee,  N.  G.  T. 

1888— W.  T.  Peyton,  Kentucky,  N.  G.  M.  ;  Wm.  Porter, 
Tennessee,  D.  N.  G.  M. ;  W.  N.  Brent,  Missouri,  N.  G.  S. ; 
J.  T.  Turner,  Tennessee,  A.  N.  G.  S.  ;  D.  A.  Robinson, 
Arkansas,  N.  G.  T. 

1891— Dr.  W.  T.  Peyton,  Kentucky,  N.  G.  M.  ;  Morgan 
T.  White,  Texas,  D.  N.  G.  M.  ;  W.  N.  Brent,  Missouri,  N. 
G.  S. ;  J.  T.  Turner,  Tennessee,  A.  N.  G.  S. ;  D.  A.  Rob 
inson,  Arkansas,  N.  G.  T.  ;  A.  J.  DeHart,  Ohio,  N.  G.  O.  ; 
W.  O.  Vance,  Indiana,  N.  G.  L. 

1894— W.  N.  Brent,  Missouri,  N.  G.  M. ;  W.  H.  Leon 
ard,  Kentucky,  D.  N.  G.  M. ;  W.  F.  Gross,  Texas,  N.  G. 
S.  ;  Jordan  Chavis,  Illinois,  A.  N.  G.  S.  ;  Dr.  W.  A.  Bur 
ney,  Indiana,  N.  G.  T. 

GRAND    LODGES    ORGANIZED. 

State — Kentucky,  Missouri,  Indiana,  Ohio,  Illinois,  Ar 
kansas,  Tennessee,  Texas,  Louisiana. 

Territorial — Mississippi,  Kansas,  Alabama,  Pennsylvania, 
New  York,  Colorado,  California,  Indian  Territory,  Canada, 
West  Indies,  Africa,  Washington,  D.  C. 

LIST    OF    CAMPS. 

Kentucky. — Wm.  Lloyd  Garrison  No.  i,  Louisville;  Belle 
No.  2,  Louisville;  Douglas  No.  3,  Frankfort;  Franklin  No. 
4,  Georgetown;  Israel  No.  5,  Henderson;  David  No.  6, 
Covington;  Woodfolk  No.  7,  Owensboro;  Smith  No.  8, 


SECOND    EPOCH.  Ill 

Maysville ;  Logan  No.  9,  Lexington;  Golden  Eagle  No.  n, 
Winchester;  Gains  No.  17,  Cynthiana;  Taylor  No.  18, 
Paris;  Franklin,  Germantown ;  Napoleon  No.  19,  Mt. 
Sterling;  Excelsior  No.  22,  Paducah ;  Pride  of  Kentucky 
No.  23,  Louisville;  Rob.  B.  Elliott,  No.  24,  Richmond; 
Maynard,  No.  28,  Danville ;  Morning  Star,  No.  29,  Bowl 
ing  Green ;  St.  Joseph  No.  30,  Russellville ;  Reindeer  No. 
31,  Anchorage. 

Arkansas. — Garrison  No.  i,  Little  Rock;  Good  Samari 
tan  No.  2,  Argenta;  David  No.  3,  Texarkana. 

Tennessee. — Morris  Henderson  No.  i,  Memphis;  Jackson 
No.  2,  Jackson;  Hill  No.  3,  Nashville;  Blazing  Star  No.  4, 
Clarksville. 

Indiana. — Carthagenia  No.  i,  Jeffersonville ;  Quinn  No. 
3,  Indianapolis;  Pride  No.  4,  Indianapolis. 

Missouri. — St.  Marks  No.  i,  St.  Louis;  Evening  Star 
No.  4,  Hannibal;  Mound  City  No.  5,  St.  Louis. 

Louisiana. — Dunn  No.  i,  Shreveport;  A.  Lincoln  No.  2, 
Mansfield. 

Texas. — Todd  No.  i,  Galveston. 

Ohio. — Belle  No.  i,  Cincinnati;  Olive  No.  4,  Cincinnati; 
A.  J.  DeHart  No.  5,  Cincinnati,  consolidated  with  Olive; 
Garfield  No.  6,  Madisonville. 

Illinois. — McCullom  No.  2,  Chicago;  Chas.  Sumner  No. 
5,  Quincy. 

NATIONAL    GRAND    CAMP    OFFICERS. 

Bryant  Luster,  N.  K.  C.,  109  W.  Fourth  Street,  Little 
Rock,  Ark.  ;  J.  H.  Ayres,  N.  K.  C.,  Cincinnati,  O.  ;  H.  J. 
Brent,  J.  K.  C.,  Winchester,  Ky.  ;  W.  H.  Butler,  N.  K.  R., 
3510  Cozens  Avenue,  St.  Louis,  Mo.;  J.  Thomas  Turner, 
N.  A.  K.  R.,  Memphis,  Term.;  E.  W.  Chenault,  N.  K. 


112  UNITED    BROTHERS    OF    FRIENDSHIP. 

W.,  Lexington,  Ky. ;  W.  H.  Brown,  N.  C.  O.  G.,  Mem 
phis,  Tenn.  ;  R.  M.  Hammonds.  N.  K.  D.,  Little  Rock, 
Ark.;  D.  L.  Simms,  N.  K.  G.,  Louisville,  Ky.  ;  W.  H. 
Price,  ist  N.  G.,  Cincinnati,  O.  ;  G.  E.  Thompson,  26.  N. 
K.  G.,  Lexington,  Ky. 

Trustees— W.  H.  Gibson,  Sr.,  P.  N.  K.  C.,  Louisville, 
Ky. ;  Wm.  Porter,  P.  N.  K.  C.,  Memphis,  Tenn.  ;  W.  L. 
Johnson,  P.  N.  K.  C.,  Louisville,  Ky. 

THE    GOOD    AND    EVIL    TENDENCIES    OF    SOCIETIES. 

A  great  many  things  have  been  said  and  published  about 
the  evil  tendencies  of  societies,  and  we  must  admit  that  some 
of  the  objections  and  criticisms  are  true,  but  by  a  careful  ex 
amination  it  will  be  seen  that  the  good  far  excels  the  evil. 
Let  us  enumerate  some  of  the  evils.  The  late  hours  of  meet 
ing  is  criticised  because  men  and  women  are  kept  out  too 
late  at  night.  Our  laws  specify  the  time  of  meeting  and  ad 
journment.  The  answer  in  many  cases  to  this  breach  of  law 
should  be  condoned,  from  the  fact  that  our  people,  in  many 
instances,  among  the  males,  are  teamsters  and  laborers  of 
various  kinds,  and  are  compelled  to  finish  up  their  day's 
work  before  they  can  return  to  their  homes  to  prepare  for 
lodge  meetings ;  and  it  is  a  fact,  that  in  a  majority  of  cases, 
the  colored  laborer  is  required  to  work  more  hours  than  his 
white  co-laborer.  Females  are  under  the  same  ban.  It  is 
claimed  by  some  that  the  churches  are  injured  by  our  orders 
and  societies ;  members  fail  to  perform  their  church  vows, 
and  the  society  is  esteemed  higher  than  the  church.  This 
should  not  be  so.  The  Church  of  God  should  be  held  and 
appreciated  above  all  other  things  of  human  inventions. 
4 'Pay  thy  vows  to  the  most  high,"  says  the  Good  Book. 
The  benevolent  orders  receive  their  teachings  of  benevolence 


MRS.  S.  E.  FOSTER, 

Denver,  Col. 


L.  B.  NELSON, 

Huntsville,  Ala. 


SECOND    EPOCH.  113 

from  the  church ;  the  church  is  the  foundation  of  every  good 
work.  The  orders  and  societies  receive  moralists  into  their 
ranks,  while  the  church  laws  and  canons  require  a  spiritual 
confession  commensurate  with  the  teachings  of  the  gospel  of 
Christ.  Our  Sunday  funerals  are  condemned  and  severely 
criticised  by  some.  We  would  have  that  part  of  our  cere 
monies  moderated  or  curtailed,  if  possible.  Our  Sunday 
funerals,  attended  with  bands  of  music,  draw  crowds  of 
toughs  and  the  scum  of  the  cities  following  them,  making 
our  sad  movement  to  the  grave  a  day  of  merriment  and 
mirth  for  those  inconsiderate  hoodlums.  If  we  must  bury 
our  deceased  on  Sunday,  let  it  be  done  quietly  and  without 
ostentation. 

The  good  deeds  of  the  United  Brothers  of  Friendship 
are  enumerated  as  follows : 

For  thirty-six  years  they  have  been  administering  to  the 
sick  and  burying  the  dead. 

For  thirty-six  years  contributing  to  the  wants  of  widows 
and  orphans. 

For  twenty-one  years  united  a  National  and  International 
organization,  gathering  in  thousands  who  heretofore  were 
destitute  of  the  benefits  that  this  Order  confers. 

For  twenty-one  years  bringing  into  close  alliance  the  in 
telligence  and  superior  ability  of  our  race. 

For  twenty-one  years  acquiring  real  estate  and  homes  for 
the  benefit  of  the  Order,  thereby  giving  it  prestige  and  re 
spectability  among  the  communities  wherever  organized. 

And  lastly,  contributing  for  the  financial  claims  of  its 
membership  several  millions  of  dollars,  a  record  that  any 
Negro  order  might  will  be  proud  of. 


114  UNITED    BROTHERS    OF    FRIENDSHIP. 

CLOSING    REMARKS. 

Having  been  requested  to  publish  the  history  of  our  Order, 
giving  the  origin  and  names  of  its  founders,  and  the  general 
progress  up  to  date,  we  have  assumed  the  task  which  we 
hope  will  be  a  help  to  those  seeking  this  knowledge,  and  put 
to  rest  many  erroneous  ideas  in  reference  to  its  founders. 
We  have  given  a  more  eleborate  account  of  Kentucky,  the 
Mother  State,  from  the  fact  that  we  were  here,  and  an  eye 
witness  to  many  statements  that  we  have  made. 
Respectfully  submitted  in  J.,  M.,  T., 

W.  H.  GIBSON,  SR. 


SEMI-CENTENNIAL 


PUBLIC  CAREER 


W.  H.  GIBSON,  SR 


FIFTY  YEARS'  EXPERIENCE  AND  A  PARTICIPANT  IN  THE  JOYS  AND 
SORROWS  OF  HIS  PEOPLE, 


FROM  THE  YEAR  1847  TO  1897. 


SCENES  AND  REMINISCENCES  BEFORE  THE  REBELLION,  AND 

MANY  INTERESTING  AND  THRILLING  NARRATIVES 

DURING  AND  SINCE  THAT  MEMORABLE 

CONFLICT. 


HON.  FRED.  DOUGLASS. 


W.   II.  GIBSON,  SR. 

Kentucky. 
P.   N.  G.  M. 


HISTORICAL  SKETCH 

OF   THE 

PROGRESS  OF  THE  COLORED  RACE, 

IN 

LOUISVILLE,  KY., 

AS    NOTED    BY    THE    WRITER    DURING    A    PERIOD    OF    FIFTY   YEARS. 


Born  and  reared  in  the  city  of  Baltimore,  Md.,  and  edu 
cated  in  the  select  schools  of  those  days,  also  receiving  the 
private  instructions  of  the  Rev.  Benjamin  Kurtz,  D.  D.,  a 
Lutheran  divine,  and  the  Rt.  Rev.  D.  A.  Payne,  D.  D., 
Bishop  of  the  African  Methodist  Church,  the  writer,  at  an  early 
age,  manifested  a  desire  to  travel  West.  An  opportunity  pre 
sented  itself  in  June,  1847.  rl"ne  Rev.  James  Harper,  of 
the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church,  who  then  had  charge  of 
the  Fourth-street  Colored  Methodist  Church,  located  on  the 
corner  of  Fourth  Avenue  and  Green  Street,  made  applica 
tion  for  a  teacher  to  come  to  Louisville  and  locate,  as  there 
was  a  field  of  labor  for  such  an  one  if  desirous  of  benefiting  his 
race.  After  mature  consideration  I  accepted  the  invitation, 
and  bade  farewell  to  kindred  and  friends  for  "My  Old 
Kentucky  Home." 

I  arrived  at  Louisville,  Ky. ,  June  21,  1847,  after  one 
week's  journey  across  the  Alleghany  Mountains  by  the  Na 
tional  Road  route  in  stages,  the  forerunner  of  the  "iron 
horse,"  changing  horses  every  ten  miles.,  and  viewing  the 


4  PUBLIC    CAREER    OF   W.    H.    GIBSON,   SR. 

picturesque  scenery  that  had  presented  itself  to  the  millions 
of  travelers  who  had  gone  this  way  before  me.  This  scene 
caused  my  imagination  to  reach  out  in  wonder  and  amaze 
ment  at  the  great  and  stupendous  work  of  nature,  and  the 
possibility  of  these  rocks  and  mountains  fleeing  away  at  the 
final  consummation  of  all  things. 

Arriving  at  Pittsburg,  the  head  of  navigation,  I  took  a 
steamer  for  Cincinnati,  O.  I  was  several  days  on  the  beau 
tiful  Ohio,  and  witnessed  scenes  that  interested  me  very 
much.  The  coal  mines  on  either  side  of  the  river,  and  the 
palatial  steamers  and  barges  heavily  laden  with  products  for 
the  South,  were  my  first  lessons  in  this  panoramic  view. 

Upon  arriving  at  Cincinnati  I  was  kindly  received  at  the 
residence  of  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Crisup,  mother  and  father  of 
Mrs.  Eliza  Gordon,  wife  of  the  noted  coal  merchant.  I 
visited  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Clark,  the  former  a  prominent  barber 
in  Cincinnati.  Mrs.  Clark,  in  later  years,  became  the  wife 
of  Bishop  D.  A.  Payne. 

Upon  arriving  in  Louisville  I  was  kindly  received  by  the 
officers  and  members  of  the  Fourth-street  Church,  whose 
guest  I  was,  viz.  :  R.  M.  Lane,  David  Straus,  Wm.  Butcher, 
Levi  Evans,  Frederick  Myers,  Anthony  Frazier,  Walker 
Wade,  Caleb  Christopher,  Nathan  Hardin,  and  N.  B.  Rog 
ers.  In  addition  to  these,  the  citizens,  generally,  gave  me  a 
hearty  welcome. 

Robt.  M.  Lane  taught  school  on  East  Street,  between 
Walnut  and  Chestnut.  He  was  originally  from  Ohio.  I 
associated  myself  with  him  for  six  months.  In  January, 
1848,  I  opened  a  school  in  the  basement  of  the  Fourth -street 
M.  E.  Church,  situated  at  the  corner  of  Fourth  and  Green 
streets.  This  move  attracted  considerable  attention,  from 
the  fact  that  the  locality  was  in  the  heart  of  the  city. 


PUBLIC    CAREER    OF   W.    H.   GIBSON,   SR.  5 

The  theater  was  on  the  southeast  corner,  and  the  negro 
church  and  day  school  on  the  opposite  corner.  I  was  ad 
vised  by  some  persons  not  to  open  the  school  there,  as  it 
would  be  closed  by  the  city  authorities.  For  a  few  days  we 
changed  front,  and  occupied  a  small  church  on  Center 
Street,  in  the  rear  of  the  Fifth-street  Baptist  Church.  It 
was  occupied  by  the  Presbyterians,  Rev.  Bowman,  pastor; 
but  through  the  indefatigable  efforts  of  Rev.  James  Harper 
and  his  white  friends  we  were  permitted  to  teach  the  school 
at  the  church  on  Fourth  and  Green  streets,  with  instructions 
to  teach  no  slaves  without  a  written  permit  from  their  master 
or  mistress.  Of  these  permits  we  had  hundreds  on  file ;  for 
amid  the  strictures  of  the  laws  and  prejudices  of  the  slave 
holders  to  negroes  learning  to  read  and  write,  there  were 
other  Christians  (white)  who  did  not  object,  and  would  give 
those  permits. 

STIRRING    SCENES   WITH    THE   CONGREGATION    OF  THE   FOURTH 
STREET    METHODIST    CHURCH    AND    THEIR    PASTOR. 

The  writer,  being  a  member  of  said  church  at  the  time  of 
this  occurrence,  will  give  a  sketch  of  its  history. 

Fourth  Street  Colored  Methodist  Church  (now  Asbury 
Chapel)  has  a  history  that  no  other  colored  church,  perhaps, 
has  passed  through  in  this  State.  The  property  was  pur 
chased  in  1845,  at  Chancery  Court  sale.  The  congregation 
was  under  the  immediate  control  of  the  Methodist  Episco 
pal  Church  South.  Colored,  ministers  were  appointed  over 
colored  congregations,  with  white  presiding  elders.  Trustees 
of  colored  churches  were  white  men ;  also  many  class  leaders 
were  white  men.  At  the  chancery  sale  a  question  was  asked 
the  judge,  if  free  colored  men  could  not  hold  property  in 
trust  for  colored  congregations?  He  answered,  "Yes,  if 


6  PUBLIC    CAREER   OF   W.   H.   GIBSON,   SR. 

they  were  free."  They  informed  him  that  they  would  prefer 
colored  trustees.  He  said  if  they  would  produce  five  col 
ored  men  he  would  appoint  them.  The  following  names 
were  presented  to  the  court :  R.  M.  Lane,  Wm.  Butcher, 
Levi  Evans,  James  Harper,  and  David  Straus.  The  next 
important  point  was  the  drawing  up  of  the  deed,  which  was 
peculiarly  drawn.  A  clause  read,  "  Deeded  to  the  Colored 
Methodists  of  Louisville,  Ky. ,  and  their  successors  forever;" 
a  clause  that  has  given  much  trouble,  both  to  the  white  wing 
of  the  Methodist  Church  and  the  African  M.  E.  Church. 

After  the  division  of  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church,  in 
1844,  into  North  and  South  Methodists,  on  account  of  slavery, 
a  large  number  of  colored  members  were  anxious  to  leave 
the  Southern  branch,  but  as  their  property  was  deeded  to  and 
held  by  the  white  trustees,  they  could  not  see  their  way  clear 
to  withdraw  without  leaving  their  property,  which  they  did 
not  wish  to  do.  The  congregation  at  Fourth  Street  was  the 
only  party  prepared  to  enter  the  conflict  for  church  freedom 
from  the  slaveholding  power,  and  the  peculiarity  of  the  deed 
gave  them  this  advantage. 

In  the  fall  of  1848  the  African  M.  E.  Church  Conference 
met  at  Madison,  Indiana. 

Resolutions  were  passed  by  the  officers  and  members  of 
the  Fourth-street  Methodist  Church  to  sever  their  connection 
from  the  white  Southern  Methodist  Church  and  apply  for 
membership  in  the  African  M.  E.  connection.  A  committee 
was  appointed  to  meet  in  conference,  viz.  :  Frederick  Myers, 
Robert  Lane,  and  Wm.  Butcher,  to  present  the  resolutions 
asking  for  admission.  They  were  received  by  the  confer 
ence,  Bishop  Quinn  presiding,  and  the  officers  and  members 
received  into  full  connection.  Rev.  James  Harper  was  ap 
pointed  elder  in  charge  for  the  conference  year.  This  bold 


PUBLIC   CAREER   OF    W.    H.   GIBSON,   SR.  7 

secession,  by  a  Negro  church,  in  the  heart  of  slavery,  in  the 
very  city  where  the  division  of  the  North  and  South  Church 
took  place,  and  only  a  square  from  the  locality  of  that 
memorable  event  of  1845,  which  shook  the  Christian  de 
nominations  of  this  country  from  center  to  circumference, 
was  a  striking  coincident. 

The  news  created  a  sensation  in  Methodist  circles.  The 
white  masters  met  and  considered  the  matter,  and  then  con 
cluded  that  if  the  negroes  wished  to  join  the  A.  M.  E.  congre 
gation  that  they  could  do  so,  but  they  would  retain  the  prop 
erty  for  those  who  would  be  willing  to  remain  in  the  Church 
South.  So  they  preferred  a  charge  against  the  leader  of  the 
movement,  the  Rev.  James  Harper,  for  rebellion,  and  cited 
him  for  trial.  The  writer  was  present  when  the  summons 
was  served  on  him.  He  refused  to  attend,  stating  that  he 
was  no  longer  a  member  of  that  church.  However,  they 
proceeded  with  the  trial  and  expelled  him  from  the  church. 

On  the  following  Sunday,  the  officers  of  the  white  South 
ern  Church  met  the  colored  congregation  at  3  o'clock  p.  M. 
for  the  purpose  of  reorganizing  with  those  of  the  congrega 
tion  who  wished  to  remain  in  the  Church  South. 

The  pastor,  Rev.  James  Harper,  made  a  strong  defense 
against  their  action.  An  eminent  judge  was  employed  to  be 
present  and  witness  the  proceedings.  He  called  their  atten 
tion  to  the  clause  in  the  deed,  reading  as  follows:  ''To  the 
Colored  Methodists  of  Louisville,  Ky. ,  and  their  successors 
forever."  He  claimed  that  they  had  no  business  there,  and 
would  enter  suit  against  them  for  disturbing  religious  wor 
ship,  for  they  were  not  colored  Methodists.  The  pulpit 
scene  was  graphic.  The  white  presiding  elder  ascended  the 
pulpit;  also  the  colored  elder.  One  seized  the  Bible  and  the 
other  the  hymn-book. 


8  PUBLIC    CAREER    OF   W.    H.    GIBSON,    SR. 

The  colored  brother  read  "Jesus,  Great  Shepherd  of  the 
Sheep,  to  Thee  for  help  we  fly,"  etc.,  which  was  sung  with 
great  power  by  the  vast  congregation.  He  prayed  -such  a 
prayer  as  only  he  could  pray,  with  responses  from  all  the 
members  over  the  house.  At  the  close,  the  white  elder  an 
nounced  his  text:  "Servants,  be  obedient  to  your  masters." 
The  argument  was  unheeded,  for  they  had  concluded  to 
come  out  of  Egypt,  though  Pharaoh  and  his  host  pursued 
them.  The  matter  was  settled  in  the  court;  the  decision 
sustained  the  colored  congregation  as  the  legal  owners  of  the 
property. 

This  was  the  first  victory  gained  in  the  State  of  Kentucky 
by  a  colored  congregation  withdrawing  and  taking  the  prop 
erty  with  them,  though  it  has  given  a  precedent  for  several 
others  in  this  and  other  States  to  make  the  effort.  Several 
have  been  successful  in  this  State  since  the  war,  and  the  free 
dom  of  the  race  declared. 

For  some  time  this  event  was  a  matter  of  rejoicing  among 
the  colored  people.  A  grand  reception  was  given  Bishop 
Paul  Quinn  on  his  first  visit  after  this  accession  to  the  A.  M. 
E.  Church.  The  parsonage  of  the  Rev.  James  Harper  (ad 
joining  the  church)  was  the  scene  of  a  great  jubilee  by  the 
clergy  of  the  city  and  vicinity. 

SALE    OF    PROPERTY    AND    SPLIT    IN    THE    CONGREGATION. 

The  preceding  events  moved  on  smoothly  until  the  fol 
lowing  fall.  The  location  of  the  church  was  an  enviable 
one,  in  a  business  point  of  view,  and  was  coveted  by  the 
white  Masonic  fraternity.  It  was  joining  property  on  which 
they  wished  to  build  a  magnificent  temple  and  theatre,  ex 
tending  the  entire  block.  They  sent  a  committee  to  the 
pastor  and  trustees  with  a  proposition  to  purchase  the  church 


PUBLIC    CAREER    OF   W.    H.    GIBSON,   SR.  9 

property.  Several  conferences  were  held,  and  finally  an 
agreement  was  made  by  the  trustees  to  sell  the  property. 
The  agreement  read  as  follows:  "That  the  Masonic  fra 
ternity  agrees  to  purchase  the  property  and  build  another 
church  in  lieu  of  the  present  structure.  They  agreed  to 
locate  the  property  within  a  certain  boundary,  viz.:  not 
farther  east  than  First  Street,  nor  farther  west  than  Seventh 
Street,  nor  farther  south  than  Broadway,  nor  farther  north 
than  Market.  Several  months  elapsed  before  a  location  was 
found,  for  the  prejudice  was  so  great  against  Negro  churches 
in  white  settlements  that  when  they  learned  for  what  purpose 
the  property  was  wanted  there  would  be  an  objection  raised  by 
the  entire  neighborhood.  Finally  the  committee  concluded 
to  go  beyond  the  boundary  for  a  site.  This  resolution  was 
not  satisfactory  to  all  concerned;  yet  the  trustees  consented, 
and  a  split  or  division  in  the  church  was  the  result.  The 
first  proposition  to  sell  was  drawn  up  under  the  administra 
tion  of  Rev.  James  Harper,  but  the  succeeding  conference 
removed  him  to  New  Orleans,  La.  Rev.  Hiram  R.  Revels 
succeeded  him,  and  under  his  administration  the  contract  or 
first  proposition  was  annulled. 

Harper  returned  to  Louisville  in  the  spring  of  1849. 
The  dissatisfied  parties  met  him  and  related  their  objections 
to  the  deal.  They  had  several  interviews  with  him,  which 
caused  the  minister  in  charge  of  the  congregation  (Rev.  H. 
R.  Revels)  to  charge  Harper  with  causing  a  disturbance 
in  his  congregation.  A  committee  of  elders  was  called; 
Harper  was  tried,  expelled  from  the  connection,  and  pub 
lished  in  the  papers  as  a  refractory  preacher. 

Harper  called  his  forces  together  and  established  an  inde 
pendent  church.  Each  party  were  renting.  The  building 
was  not  completed  during  these  troubles;  but  when  it  was 


10  PUBLIC    CAREER    OF    W.   H.   GIBSON,   SR. 

each  party  claimed  it.  So  bitter  was  the  feeling,  that  when 
the  cape-stone,  with  the  name  of  the  building  inscribed  upon 
it,  was  put  up,  the  opposition  took  it  down  and  broke  it  in 
pieces.  When  the  church  was  completed,  a  lawsuit  was 
entered  for  possession,  and  an  injunction  was  granted  against 
the  African  M.  E.  Church  until  the  court  decided  the  right 
of  possession.  The  same  argument  was  used  in  this  case  as 
in  the  suit  with  the  white  Southern  Methodist  Church;  that 
the  church  belonged  to  the  Colored  Methodists  of  Louisville 
and  their  successors,  and  not  to  the  African  M.  E.  Church. 
The  lower  court  so  decided  in  favor  of  the  Harper  party. 
An  appeal  was  taken  to  the  Court  of  Appeals  at  Frankfort, 
Ky.  The  opinion  of  the  lower  court  was  sustained,  so  far  as 
the  deed  was  concerned,  but  as  the  minister,  officers, 
and  members  had  joined  the  A.  M.  E.  Church  under  a 
protectorate,  and  subjected  themselves  to  the  appointing 
power  of  the  Bishop,  therefore  the  A.  M.  E.  Church  Con 
ference  had  sole  control  of  the  congregation,  without  the 
change  of  deed,  and  that  Rev.  James  Harper  must  vacate. 
The  litigation  continued  for  several  years,  and  a  considerable 
amount  was  expended  for  court  and  lawyers'  fees.  Harper 
vacated,  rented  a  vacant  church  on  the  next  block,  and  had 
considerable  following  for  awhile,  but  the  congregation  be 
came  dissatisfied  and  he  removed  to  Baltimore,  Md.  His  flock 
scattered  and  sought  membership  in  the  various  churches  of 
the  city.  So  ended  an  unfortunate  occurrence  in  the  history 
of  the  A.  M.  E.  Church  in  this  city. 

The  officers  and  members  of  the  A.  M.  E.  Church  took 
possession,  and  Rev.  Frederick  Myers  was  appointed  in 
charge.  He  was  succeeded  by  some  of  the  ablest  ministers 
of  the  connection,  such  as  Rev.  B.  L.  Brooks,  Rev.  F.  Car 
ter,  Rev.  J.  M.  Brown,  Rev.  John  Mitchell,  Rev.  Knight, 


PUBLIC   CAREER    OF    W.    H.   GIBSON,   SR.  II 

and  others.  Under  their  administration  the  church  pros 
pered.  In  1872  the  church  was  remodeled  by  the  Rev.  J. 
C.  Waters.  A  heavy  debt  accrued,  the  contractor  sued  on 
the  notes,  and  a  long  litigation  ensued.  During  these  troubles 
the  church  burned  down  (supposed  by  an  incendiary).  It 
was  not  insured  and  remained  without  a  roof  for  many  years. 
Rev.  Bartlett  Taylor  succeeded  in  rebuilding  it,  but  for  years 
it  seemed  a  drag  on  the  connection,  with  forty  years  of 
trouble  and  not  yet  released.  The  deed  seems  to  be  the 
great  stumbling-block  in  the  way.  The  trustees  give  con 
siderable  trouble  to  the  pastors,  it  is  said,  with  few  excep 
tions,  who  are  sent  there  by  the  appointing  power. 

HISTORY   OF   THE    MOTHER    A.    M.    E.   CHURCH — QUINN  CHAPEL. 

The  first  African  Methodist  Church  was  planted  in  Louis 
ville,  in  the  State  of  Kentucky,  then  a  missionary  point,  in 
1840,  by  that  venerable  centenarian,  Rev.  Father  David 
Smith,  the  members  assembling  from  house  to  house,  until  a 
room  over  a  stable  on  Main  Street  was  obtained,  and  a  con 
gregation  formed  to  worship  in  the  name  of  Bethel  A.  M.  E. 
Church.  It  has  grown  to  be  the  leading  church  of  the  con 
nection  in  this  State,  and  has  been  pastored  by  the  most 
distinguished  ministers  in  the  A.  M.  E.  connection,  notable 
among  them  being  the  Revs.  M.  M.  Clark,  Dr.  W.  R. 
Revels,  Hiram  Revels,  Dr.  G.  H.  Graham,  H.  J.  Young,  J. 
W.  Asbury,  J.  Gazaway,  O.  P.  Ross,  Dr.  B.  F.  Porter,  Dr. 
Abbey,  Dr.  Evans  Tyree,  and  many  others  of  distinction. 

In  the  early  days  of  its  organization  it  was  considered  by 
the  community  as  an  abolition  church,  which  carried  with  it 
a  stigma  to  deter  the  slaves  of  this  community  from  associa 
tion  and  affiliation  with  its  members.  The  idea  of  an  aboli 
tion  church  established  in  this  city  among  slaves  could  not 


12  PUBLIC  CAREER    OF    W.    H.   GIBSON,   SR. 

be  tolerated  by  some  slaveholders;  hence  they  forbade  their 
slaves  visiting  that  Free  Negro  Church  (as  it  was  styled), 
though  a  few  of  their  servants  would  attend.  One  member 
of  the  family  of  a  slave-trader  joined  the  church  and  attended 
regularly,  and  this  trader  had  a  pen  in  the  city  filled  with 
slaves  for  the  Southern  market. 

Locations — From  the  stable  on  Main  Street  to  a  frame  on 
the  corner  of  Eighth  and  Green  streets,  from  there  to  Ninth 
and  Walnut  streets. 

In  1854,  from  a  little  frame  building  was  erected  the 
present  brick.  The  ground  was  purchased  by  the  money 
raised  by  the  efforts  of  George  W.  Johnson,  Rev.  Byrd  Par 
ker,  and  Rev.  John  A.  Warren.  The  latter  paid  the  last  in 
stallment  and  lifted  the  mortgage.  The  brick  building  was 
one  of  the  strong  efforts  of  Willis  R.  Revels,  who  canvassed 
Indiana,  Ohio,  and  portions  of  the  East  to  raise  money  to 
meet  the  payments  on  the  building.  The  Quaker  Friends  of 
Indiana  gave  liberally  towards  the  building.  They  were  so 
anxious  to  know  that  the  money  was  being  properly  used, 
that  at  times  they  sent  a  committee  to  investigate.  The  de 
sire  of  the  Quaker  Friends  for  the  education  of  our  race 
caused  Dr.  Revels  to  promise  them  that  a  school  would  be 
connected  with  the  church  for  educational  purposes,  and  for 
this  reason  they  gave  more  readily. 

The  foundation  of  the  new  edifice  was  laid  with  some 
forebodings.  The  day  appointed  for  digging  the  foundation 
was  one  of  interest,  as  certain  parties  living  on  the  same 
block  had  declared  that  a  negro  church  should  not  be  erected 
there — a  nuisance  to  the  neighborhood — but  the  people  of 
God  prayed  that  the  work  might  go  on  in  spite  of  every  op 
position,  and  God  heard  their  prayers.  Friends  among  the 
white  people  aided  them,  and  the  ceremonies  were  performed. 


PUBLIC    CAREER    OF    W.    H.   GIBSON,   SR.  13 

Rev.  Levi  Evans,  who  is  yet  alive,  dug  the  first  spade  of  dirt. 
The  brick  work  of  Quinn  Chapel  was  performed  by  colored 
bricklayers  from  Lexington,  Ky.,  Col.  Bayless,  a  boss  brick 
layer,  superintending  the  work.  The  building  was  covered 
in,  and  the  congregation  worshiped  in  the  basement  for  four 
years.  The  basement  was  dedicated  by  the  late  Bishop  D. 
A.  Payne  (then  Dr.  Payne).  Aaron  M.  Parker  was  the  ap 
pointed  pastor.  A  school  was  opened  in  the  basement  by 
W.  H.  Gibson,  free  and  slave  children  taught — slaves  by 
written  permits.  The  Quaker  Friends  visited  the  school  and 
inspected  the  work,  to  see  that  their  donations  were  appro 
priately  applied.  In  1858,  Rev.  Willis  Miles,  of  New  Or 
leans,  La.,  was  appointed.  He  was  a  very  affable  and  lov 
ing  pastor.  After  his  induction  into  the  pastorate  his  anxiety 
was  to  complete  the  church  and  move  up  into  the  auditorium. 
He  called  together  the  officers,  members,  and  teachers  of  the 
Sunday-school,  and  they,  with  the  pastor,  mapped  out  a  plan 
for  the  completion  of  the  building.  The  young  people  of 
the  church  and  their  friends  organized  a  literary  society 
known  as  the  Chapel  Relief,  whose  object  was  to  discuss 
questions  pertaining  to  our  interest  and  the  general  improve 
ment  of  the  mind.  Dr.  W.  R.  Revels  was  the  organizer  of 
this  society.  Its  influence  was  felt  throughout  the  city,  and 
by  its  members  a  large  amount  was  raised  towards  meeting  the 
large  debts  that  had  accumulated  during  the  progress  of  the 
work  and  the  completion  of  the  building.  At  the  adjourn 
ing  of  the  Annual  Conference  the  dedicatory  services  were 
performed  by  Bishops  Quinn  and  Payne,  Revs.  W.  R.  Rev 
els,  J.  M.  Brown,  John  Turner,  Willis  Miles,  and  others. 

The  following  is  the  roster  of  Quinn  Chapel,  A.  M.  E. 
Church,  by  succession : 

First  missionary,  Rev.  David  Smith,  the  centenarian;  first 


14  PUBLIC    CAREER    OF    W.   H.    GIBSON,   SR. 

pastor,  Rev.  Geo.  W.  Johnson;  Revs.  Byrd  Parker,  W.  R. 
Revels,  H.  R.  Revels,  Israel  Cole,  John  Morgan,  Emanuel 
Wilkerson,  John  A.  Warren,  Aaron  M.  Parker,  Willis  Miles, 
John  Turner,  Page  Tyler,  Liberty  Ross,  Austin  Woolfork, 
B.  L.  Brooks,  Thos.  Strother,  Dr.  M.  M.  Clark,  Richard 
Bridges,  H.  R.  Revels,  Henry  J.  Young,  Grafton  H.  Gra 
ham,  John  Asbury,  John  Gazaway,  T.  B.  Caldwell,  O.  P. 
Ross,  Dr.  B.  F.  Porter,  Levi  Evans,  Dr.  J.  Abbey,  and  Dr. 
Evans  Tyree. 

CENTER-STREET    CHURCH. 

The  Center-street  Church  is  the  oldest  colored  Methodist 
Church  in  this  city,  and  like  all  other  colored  Methodist 
churches  before  the  war  was  under  the  ecclesiastical  control 
of  the  Southern  Methodist  Episcopal  Church.  During  the  war, 
in  the  sixties,  the  members  of  this  church  applied  and  was  re 
ceived  into  the  Zion  A.  M.  E.  Church,  and  continued  in  said 
church  for  several  years  without  a  change  or  transfer  of  the 
deed  of  property  to  said  Zion  A.  M.  E.  Church.  An  effort 
was  made  to  secure  a  change  in  the  deed  by  Peter  Lewis, 
Jackson  Burkes,  and  other  officers  and  members  of  Zion  A. 
M.  E.  Church,  but  failed,  from  the  fact  that  a  large  number 
of  its  members  were  opposed  to  changing  their  relations  to 
the  white  Southern  Methodist  Episcopal  Church.  This  party 
was  led  by  Rev.  W.  H.  Miles  and  others.  Miles  afterwards 
became  Bishop. 

On  the  loth  of  May,  1870,  the  Methodist  Church  South, 
in  a  meeting  of  the  General  Conference,  passed  a  series  of 
resolutions  with  reference  to  the  religious  interest  of  the 
colored  people,  who  were  then  under  the  control  of  that 
church. 

One  resolution  reads  as  follows :  "That  the  action  of  the 
last  General  Conference  in  reference  to  an  ultimate  organiza- 


PUBLIC   CAREER   OF    W.    H.    GIBSON,   SR.  I  5 

tion  of  the  colored  people  of  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church 
South  into  a  separate  church  is  complete,  and  therefore  no 
additional  legislation  is  necessary  to  the  end  intended. 

"Further,  That  we  fully  approve  the  purpose  of  the  Bishops, 
as  expressed  in  their  address  to  this  Conference,  at  an  early 
day  to  call  a  general  conference  for  our  colored  members  to 
organize  them  into  a  separate  church,  as  provided  in  the  dis 
cipline. 

'•'•Further,  That  all  trustees  now  holding  church  property 
for  the  use  of  our  colored  membership  be  instructed  to  make 
title  to  said  property  to  the  properly  constituted  trustees  of 
the  Colored  Methodist  Episcopal  Church  South,  according 
to  the  discipline  of  said  church  when  organized." 

The  following  resolution  has  caused  considerable  litiga 
tion  among  the  colored  bodies: 

"  WHEREAS,  Application  has  been  made  by  certain  parties 
for  the  transfer  of  the  title  to  the  property  belonging  to  the 
Methodist  Church  South  to  congregations  who  have  with 
drawn  from  our  communion;  and,  whereas,  we  regard  the 
property  conveyed  to  our  trustees,  for  the  use  of  the  colored 
congregations  of  our  church,  a  sacred  trust  to  be  held  for 
them;  therefore, 

"Resolved,  That  it  is  the  settled  conviction  of  this  body 
that  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church  South  has  neither  the 
legal  nor  moral  right  to  transfer  any  property  thus  held  to 
those  who  have  withdrawn  from  our  church.  That  we  com 
mend  the  Colored  Methodist  Episcopal  Church  South,  when 
formed,  to  the  warmest  sympathies,  earnest  prayers,  and  sup 
port  of  people  of  the  South." 

The  Colored  Church  South  was  organized  under  these 
resolutions,  and  the  members  of  Center-street  Church  of 
Louisville  became  a  part  of  that  general  organization. 

9 


l6  PUBLIC    CAREER    OF    W.    H.   GIBSON,   SR. 

Being  inspired  by  these  resolutions  from  the  General  Con 
ference,  the  trustees,  viz.:  Washington  Watson,  Joshua  Tevis, 
Jackson  Pitman,  Moses  Bradley,  and  others,  of  Center-street 
Church,  instituted  suit  March  22,  1871,  against  the  trustees 
of  Jackson-street  Colored  Methodist  Episcopal  Church,  of 
Louisville,  Ky. ,  for  the  possession  of  their  property,  claim 
ing  that  it  was  also  deeded  and  held  in  trust  for  those  adher 
ing  to  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church  South.  The  suit  was 
defended  by  the  trustees  of  Jackson-street  Church,  viz.:  Joel 
Bradshaw,  Alexander  Means,  George  Butler,  Wm.  Evans, 
Green  Thomas,  and  others.  Hon.  J.  M.  Harlan  (now  Judge 
of  the  Supreme  Court  at  Washington,  D.  C.),  was  counsel 
for  appellees. 

Judge  Harlan,  in  his  concluding  remarks,  said :  '  *  That  the 
appellants  do  not  sue  in  the  capacity  of  trustees  of  that 
general  church  organization,  composed  of  many  local  so 
cieties,  but  in  their  capacity  as  trustees  of  the  Center-street 
Church.  By  what  authority  does  that  particular  local  society 
claim  the  exclusive  benefit  of  the  order  of  May  10,  1870? 
There  is  nothing  in  the  discipline  of  the  Colored  Church 
South,  nor  has  any  action  been  taken  by  that  organization 
conferring  upon  the  Center-street  Church  the  exclusive  right 
to  sue  for  the  property  in  controversy.  Any  other  local 
society  of  the  Colored  Church  South  has  an  equal  right  to 
claim  the  benefit  of  the  order  of  May  10,  1870. 

11  If,  therefore,  the  order  is  valid  for  any  purpose,  the  party 
to  sue  is  the  general  organization,  known  and  described  in 
that  order  as  'The  Colored  Methodist  Episcopal  Church 
South,'  and  not  any  one  of  the  local  societies. 

"  Upon  the  whole  case,  this  court  can  not  hesitate  to  affirm 
the  decree  below.  "JOHN  M.  HARLAN, 

"Attorney  for  Appellees,  Bradshaw,  et  aL 
^LOUISVILLE,  KY.,  Sept.  i,  1874." 


PUBLIC   CAREER   OF   W.    H.    GIBSON,   SR.  1 7 

Thus  ended  this  famous  suit  of  three  years  and  six  months 
in  favor  of  the  trustees  of  Jackson-street  Church. 

JACKSON-STREET    CHURCH. 

Like  her  sister  Methodist  churches,  she,  too,  had  her  bit 
ters  with  her  sweets,  in  her  early  history.  She  was  guided 
and  pastored  by  the  Rev.  George  Holland  and  Rev.  Thomas, 
under  whose  Christian  ministry  many  were  added  to  the 
church.  After  the  war,  in  1870,  they  passed  through  a  fiery 
ordeal,  by  the  attempt  of  the  trustees  of  the  Colored  Metho 
dist  Church  South  suing  for  their  property,  in  order  that 
they  might  hold  it  in  trust  for  those  that  might  desire  to  re 
main  in  said  southern  connection.  To  meet  this  litigation, 
they  employed  an  eminent  jurist,  Hon.  Judge  Harlan,  who 
defended  them  and  gained  the  vexatious  suit.  Since  then, 
they  have  been  pastored  by  some  of  the  most  eloquent 
divines  of  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church  (North),  among 
them  being  E.  W.  S.  Hammond,  Marshall  Taylor,  Dr.  L.  M. 
Hagood,  and  J.  H.  Stanley. 

BAPTIST    CHURCHES. 

The  principal  Baptist  churches  during  the  forties  and 
fifties  were  the  Fifth-street  Baptist  Church  and  the  Green- 
street  Baptist  Church.  Rev.  Henry  Adams,  pastor  of  the 
Fifth-street  Baptist  Church,  was,  in  his  day,  a  very  popular 
minister  and  a  devout  Christian.  His  congregation  was  large 
and  imposing.  He  was  also  a  revivalist;  for  weeks,  and 
some  times  for  months,  his  church  was  crowded  with  anxious 
seekers  for  redemption  in  Christ.  He  pastored  that  church 
for  thirty-five  or  forty  years,  except  for  a  short  interval  dur 
ing  the  fifties  he  was  called  to  Cincinnati  to  pastor  Baker-street 
Baptist  Church,  which  was  the  leading  church  of  that  city. 


1 8  PUHLIC    CAREER    OF    VV.    H.    GIKSON,    SR. 

The  sentiment  of  that  church  was  strongly  anti-slavery,  and 
many  of  its  members  were  connected  with  the  Under-ground 
Railroad.  Politics  was  discussed  and  prayer-meetings  held 
for  the  liberation  of  the  slaves.  Bro.  Adams  was  not  ac 
customed  to  mixing  politics  and  religion  ;  hence  there  was  a 
divergence  of  opinion.  He  resigned  and  returned  to  his  old 
flock  at  Louisville.  During  his  absence  Rev.  Campbell  was 
pastor  of  the  congregation.  Rev.  Adams  died  in  1872,  his 
remains  being  rested  in  the  white  Baptist  Church,  Fourth  and 
Walnut  streets — a  distinction  that  had  not  been  tendered  any 
other  colored  pastor  of  this  State.  Rev.  Andrew  Heath,  who 
had  been  for  several  years  assistant  pastor  to  Rev.  Henry 
Adams,  was  elected  to  fill  the  pulpit  of  the  Fifth-street 
Baptist  Church.  A  more  devout  Christian  gentleman  could 
not  have  been  selected  for  the  position.  He  was  beloved  by 
his  congregation,  and  all  who  came  in  contact  with  Bro.  An 
drew  Heath  admired  him  as  a  minister  and  a  gentleman. 
We  were  personally  acquainted  with  him  for  many  years, 
and  sat  up  with  him  during  his  illness.  He  was  a  brother 
Mason. 

Green-Street  Baptist  Church — »In  the  early  forties  the  Rev. 
George  Wells  was  pastor  of  that  congregation.  He  was  a 
very  pious  man  and  much  beloved  by  his  congregation.  After 
his  death  several  ministers  officiated,  until  a  regular  pastor 
was  chosen.  Rev.  Sneathen  was  called  to  Green-street  Bap 
tist  Church.  He  was  a  fearless  leader  among  the  people, 
and  a  good  church  governor.  The  large  brick  edifice  was 
built  under  his  administration.  He  increased  the  congrega 
tion  by  his  popularity.  He  died  in  the  seventies,  and  his 
funeral  was  largely  attended.  Dr.  Gaddy,  successor  to  Elder 
Sneathen,  is  one  of  the  leading  Baptist  ministers  of  the  South, 
and  a  graduate  of  the  State  University.  His  sermons  are 


PUBLIC   CAREER    OF   W.    H.    GIBSON,   SR.  19 

always  interesting,  and  he  is  beloved  by  his  congregation. 
He  has  also  improved  apd  beautified  Green-street  Church 
during  his  administration,  and  it  is  a  very  popular  church 
among  the  denominations. 

York-street  Baptist  ChurcJi — This  church  was,  in  early  days, 
occupied  as  a  place  of  worship  by  the  Fifth-street  Congrega 
tion,  Rev.  H.  Adams,  pastor.  It  was  then  considered  in 
the  woods.  After  the  Fifth-street  Congregation  moved  into 
the  heart  of  the  city  it  was  abandoned  for  years,  until  the 
Rev.  W.  W.  Taylor  occupied  it.  The  Fifth-street  Congrega 
tion  claimed  it  and  there  was  some  litigation  in  regard  to  it. 
Rev.  W.  W.  Taylor  held  possession  until  his  death.  A  se 
rious  accident  happened  there  in  1870,  during  a  protracted 
meeting.  The  lower  floor  and  gallery  being  crowded,  it  was 
thought  that  the  pillars  were  giving  away  and  a  panic  fol 
lowed.  A  rush  was  made  for  the  stairway,  others  jumped  out 
of  windows,  and  the  result  was  eleven  persons  were  killed. 
The  church  has  been  remodeled  and  now  in  charge  of  Rev. 
Parrish.  a  very  excellent  and  learned  divine,  and  President 
of  the  Exstein-Norton  Seminary.  This  church  is  now  called 
the  Calvary  Baptist  Church. 

These  churches  mentioned  were  the  old  churches  before 
the  war,  during  the  dark  days  of  slavery.  Since  the  close 
of  the  war  a  new  era  has  dawned,  and  we  have  a  large  ad 
dition  to  our  church  properties  and  congregations. 

PRESBYTERIAN    CHURCH. 

There  was  a  small  congregation  of  colored  Presbyterians 
in  Louisville  in  1847,  RCV-  Jeremiah  Bowman,  minister.  It 
was  located  on  Center  Street,  between  Walnut  and  Chestnut. 
It  was  not  very  prosperous.  The  pastor  resigned  and  joined 
the  African  Methodist  Episcopal  Church.  Several  attempts 


20  PUBLIC  CAREER  OF    W.    H.    GIBSON,   SR. 

were  made  to  establish  a  church  of  this  denomination,  but 
its  adherents  worshiped  with  the  white  congregations,  until 
Andrew  Ferguson,  a  wealthy  colored  citizen,  bequeathed  to 
them  a  church  with  a  complete  outfit,  and  bore  the  chief  ex 
penses  of  the  church,  as  the  congregation  was  very  small. 
At  his  death  he  willed  to  his  relatives,  church,  and  Orphan's 
Home,  as  follows :  $1,000  and  a  city  lot  to  each  of  his  three 
grandchildren;  $500  to  his  pastor,  Rev.  S.  W.  Parr;  $100 
to  St.  James  Old  Folks'  Home,  $100  to  the  Colored  Orphans' 
Home,  and  $200  to  Knox  Presbyterian  Church.  We  were 
personally  acquainted  with  Mr.  Ferguson.  He  was  truly  a 
Christian  gentleman  and  a  philanthropist. 

CHRISTIAN    CHURCH. 

For  years  the  Hancock-street  Christian  Church  has  been 
pastored  by  some  of  the  most  talented  ministers  of  that  de 
nomination,  among  them  being  Revs.  Robinson  and  Dr. 
Rufus  Conrad,  deceased.  Lately  a  missionary  branch  has 
been  organized  in  the  western  part  of  the  city  by  the  Rev. 
Robinson. 

ST.  MARK'S  COLORED  MISSION  EPISCOPAL  CHURCH. 

This  church  was  established  in  the  year  1867,  also  a  High 
School,  Feb.  n,  1867,  on  Green  Street,  near  Ninth.  The 
ceremonies  attending  the  High  School  opening  for  colored 
youths  were  under  the  auspices  of  the  Protestant  Episcopal 
Church  of  the  Diocese  of  Kentucky.  The  school  was  under 
the  immediate  supervision  of  Rev.  Joseph  S.  Atwell,  rector 
of  St.  Mark's  Church.  He  was  ordained  at  St.  Paul's  Church, 
in  this  city,  by  Bishop  Smith.  The  teacher  of  the  school 
was  Miss  Cornelia  A.  Jennings,  who  resigned  the  tutorship 
of  a  school  in  Philadelphia  to  take  charge  of  this  one.  She 


PUBLIC   CAREER   OF   W.    H.    GIBSON,   SR.  21 

brought  from  the  various  officials  of  that  city  the  very  highest 
testimonials  as  to  her  qualifications  and  previous  success  in 
teaching.  As  a  graduate  of  the  Philadelphia  Institute  she 
was  awarded  the  Latin  prize  for  the  class  of  1860,  and  had 
since  been  unusually  successful  as  the  principal  of  a  school. 
The  ceremonies  were  opened  with  religious  services  by  the 
rector,  and  speeches  by  distinguished  friends  of  education 
among  our  people.  The  Hon.  James  Speed,  Attorney-Gen 
eral  to  President  Lincoln,  was  among  them  and  gave  words 
of  cheer. 

This  mission  church  and  school  continued  for  several 
years.  Rev.  Atwell  and  Miss  Jennings  married  and  resigned. 
Prof.  D.  A.  Straker  and  a  young  lady  assistant  succeeded 
them.  They  continued  church  and  school  for  some  time, 
but  finally  closed  and  located  in  Washington,  D.  C.  Another 
location  was  obtained  for  the  mission,  donated  by  Dr.  Norton, 
on  Madison  Street,  between  Ninth  and  Tenth ;  Rector  John 
Cook  (white)  had  charge,  under  Bishop  Dudley.  The  school 
was  taught  by  Miss  Cornelia  Roxborough  and  Mr.  Wilson, 
and  improved  in  numbers.  A  third  location  was  purchased, 
through  the  influence  of  Bishop  Dudley — a  large  brick  church 
(formerly  the  property  of  the  Presbyterians).  In  thirty  years, 
through  a  hard  struggle,  they  have  a  large  congregation. 
Rev.  Brown,  of  New  York,  is  the  present  rector. 

The  friends  of  St.  Mark's  Episcopal  Church  being  desi 
rous  of  helping  that  mission,  offered  their  services  to  Miss 
Jennings  to  assist  her  in  a  concert  to  be  given  in  New  Al 
bany,  Ind.  A  hall  was  obtained  and  the  date  announced 
through  the  papers  and  hand-bills.  The  writer  was  selected 
as  manager,  Miss  Jennings  and  Mrs.  M.  V.  Smith,  soloist 
and  pianist,  assisted  by  W.  H.  Gibson,  Jr.  The  audience 
had  assembled  and  the  concert  in  full  blast,  when  the  sheriff 


22  PUBLIC    CAREER   OF   W.    H.    GIBSON,   SR. 

of  the  county  appeared  and  demanded  our  license.  We  had 
none.  We  stated  it  was  a  church  concert.  He  stated  that 
it  made  no  difference ;  we  must  pay  or  shut  up.  We  paid 
the  license,  as  there  seemed  to  be  no  other  remedy;  but  it 
left  us  a  very  small  margin  for  the  mission.  Our  next  con 
cert  was  on  this  side  of  the  river,  where  church  concerts  pay 
no  license,  and  we  had  success. 

COLORED    ROMAN    CATHOLIC    CHURCH. 

This  church  was  erected  on  the  site  of  the  Old  Soldiers' 
Barracks  and  Hospital,  Broadway  and  Fifteenth  Street.  By 
the  solicitation  of  a  number  of  colored  Catholics,  Bishop 
Spalding,  who  then  had  charge  of  this  diocese,  employed  me 
to  instruct  the  first  colored  choir  of  jthe  church  at  $25  per 
month.  I  performed  that  duty  until  I  found  that  it  would 
conflict  with  other  duties  in  my  church,  then  resigned.  Mrs. 
M.  V.  Smith  and  W.  H.  Gibson,  Jr.,  were  my  successors 
until  they  obtained  a  teacher  of  their  own  denomination. 
The  membership  has  increased  rapidly,  and  they  have  a  large 
denominational  day  school  attached,  conducted  on  Catholic 
principles. 

LEADING    CHURCHES    AND    PASTORS. 

Quinn  Chapel  A.  M.  E.  Church Rev.  E.  Tyree,  M.  D. 

Asbury  Chapel  A.  M.  E.  Church Rev.  Jackson. 

St.  James  Chapel  A.  M.  E.  Church Rev.  Certain. 

Young's  Chapel  A.  M.  E.  Church Rev.  Dent. 

Twelfth-street  Zion  A.  M.  E.  Church Rev.  Seymour. 

Fifteenth-street  Zion  A.  M.  E.  Church Rev.  Mason. 

Jacob-street  Tabernacle  A.  M.  E.  Church Rev.  Jones. 

Center-street  C.  M.  E.  Church Rev.  Luckett. 

Old  Fort  Missionary  Chiwch 


PUBLIC  CAREER    OF    W.    H.    GIBSON,   SR.  23 

Independent  Methodist  Church Rev.  Anderson. 

Jackson-street  Methodist  Church Rev.  Johnson. 

Fifth-avenue  Baptist  Church   Rev.  J.  Frank. 

Green-street  Baptist  Church Rev.  Dr.  Gaddy. 

Calvary  Baptist  Church Rev.  Parrish. 

Center-street  Zion  Church Rev.  Craighead. 

Gladstone  Church Rev.  Scott. 

Ninth-street  Church 

Lampton-street  Church Rev.  Bates. 

Eighth-street  Church 

Eleverith-street  Mission  (Christian) Rev.  Robinson. 

Hancock-street  Christian  Church 

OUR    SUNDAY-SCHOOL    WORK. 

This  branch  of  the  church  received  less  opposition,  from 
a  religious  and  literary  point  of  view,  than  any  other  in 
which  the  negro  could  be  engaged.  It  was  at  the  Sunday- 
school  gatherings  that  the  Christians  of  the  various  white 
congregations  would  come  and  engage  in  this  work,  teaching 
the  free  and  the  slave  to  read  the  Bible,  with  Christian  lec 
tures,  presentation  of  libraries,  maps,  and  charts  necessary 
for  ^such  work.  They  considered  this  "Home  Mission'1''  the 
heathen  at  their  own  door.  This  labor  eliminated  the  stigma 
of  Abolitionist,  and  all  who  felt  disposed  could  engage  in  this 
noble  and  charitable  work,  in  which  we  are  proud  to  say 
many  Christian  ladies  and  gentlemen  of  different  denomina 
tions  joined  in  prosecuting. 

The  names  that  will  be  foremost  in  the  memory  of  those 
who  attended  these  Sunday-school  gatherings  are  Mr.  and 
Mrs.  Bliss,  and  Mr.  W.  H.  Bulkley  and  family.  They  spent 
a  lifetime  in  the  interest  of  the  colored  Sunday-schools  of  our 
city.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Bliss  are  dead  and  gone  to  rest.  Mr. 


24  PUBLIC    CAREER   OF   W.   H.    GIBSON,   SR. 

Bliss  died  recently  in  Cincinnati,  O.     Mr.  Bulkley  still  lives, 
but  he  is  too  aged  to  work,  and  has  retired. 

SUNDAY-SCHOOL    UNIONS. 

In  the  early  part  of  the  fifties,  the  officers  of  Quinn 
Chapel,  Asbury  Chapel,  Center-street  and  Jackson-street  M. 
E.  churches  organized  a  Union  Singing-school  for  children, 
to  alternate  from  church  to  church,  every  Sunday  afternoon. 
The  movement  had  a  telling  effect.  "  Music  hath  charms." 
Parents  and  children  came  from  every  direction,  until  often 
the  churches  could  not  seat  the  immense  crowds.  The  sing 
ing  was  conducted  by  the  writer,  at  that  time  the  only  vocal 
teacher  of  music  for  our  children.  It  was  conducted  suc 
cessfully  until  the  breaking  out  of  the  Rebellion  of  1861, 
when  it  was  closed. 

THE  COLORED  ADVISORY  SCHOOL  BOARD. 

At  the  opening  of  the  Public  Schools  by  the  State,  for  the 
education  of  colored  children,  it  was  thought  advisable  by 
the  white  School  Board,  who  were  elective,  to  appoint  a 
number  of  colored  citizens  to  act  as  an  Advisory  Board,  be 
ing  better  acquainted  with  the  wants  and  conditions  of  their 
people,  visit  the  schools,  recommend  suitable  teachers,  see 
to  the  comforts  and  locations  of  buildings,  etc.  These  duties, 
in  conjunction  with  the  white  board,  worked  well  for  a  time, 
but,  unfortunately  for  us,  we  are  so  apt  to  carry  our  church 
or  denominational  views  into  every  general  enterprise  that 
interests  the  whole  people,  that  failure  generally  results.  This 
Advisory  Board  was  attacked  by  a  number  of  citizens'  meet 
ings  being  called  and  a  petition  signed  and  addressed  to  the 
white  board  setting  forth  their  grievances.  We  quote  the 
following : 


PUBLIC   CAREER    OF    W.    H.    GIBSON,   SR.  25 

"As  citizens,  we  do  not  desire  to  patronize  denomina 
tional  schools,  neither  Methodist,  Baptist,  Catholic,  or  any 
other.  We  desire  to  send  our  children  to  schools  which  are 
free  from  the  influence  of  any  particular  church  or  denomi 
national  influence.  The  remedy  in  this  matter  is  quite 
plain.  If  our  schools  are  to  be  conducted  in  church  interest, 
let  us  have  a  man  on  the  Advisory  Board  from  each  of  our 
colored  churches,  in  both  ends  of  the  city.  If  they  are  to 
take  notice  of  the  citizens  in  each  ward,  let  us  have  a  man 
on  the  Advisory  Board  from  each  ward.  If  this  can  not  be 
done,  then  let  the  Advisory  Board  of  the  colored  schools  be 
abolished,  and  let  the  white  trustees,  whom  we  helped  to 
elect,  conduct  the  schools." 

The  petitioners  succeeded  in  their  efforts,  and  the  col 
ored  board  was  abolished.  Peace  was  secured  by  this 
action,  and  our  Public  Schools  are  the  pride  of  our  citizen, 
vicing  with  the  best  disciplined  of  any  city  in  the  country. 
Profs.  Maxwell,  Williams,  Perry,  Mazeek,  Taylor,  McKinley, 
Carter,  and  Miss  L.  N.  Duvalle  are  the  principals,  with  an 
efficient  corps  of  teachers. 

PROMINENT    LOUISVILLE    MEN    OF    THE    FORTIES    AND    FIFTIES, 
AND    THEIR    BUSINESS. 

Washington  Spradling  was  the  leading  colored  man  in 
business  and  the  largest  real  estate  holder.  He  was  a  bar 
ber  by  trade,  but  he  made  his  mark  as  a  business  man  by 
trading  and  brokerage,  in  connection  with  his  shaving.  His 
mode  of  making  money  consisted  in  buying  and  leasing  lots 
in  different  parts  of  the  city  and  building  and  moving  frame 
cottages  upon  those  lots.  He  also  built  several  brick  busi 
ness  houses  on  Third  Street.  Mr.  Spradling  had  many 
peculiarities;  his  dress  was  very  common,  as  he  exhibited  no 
pride  in  that  direction.  He  loved  to  converse  on  law,  and, 
though  he  was  uneducated,  was  considered  one  of  the  best 


26  PUBLIC   CAREER    OF    W.    H.   GIBSON,   SR. 

lawyers  to  plan  or  prepare  a  case  for  the  court.  He  was 
very  successful,  and  nearly  every  colored  person  who  was  in 
trouble  (more  or  less)  first  consulted  Washington  Spradling; 
he  selected  the  lawyer  and  prepared  the  case.  He  was  sel 
dom  defeated,  and,  if  so,  he  was  sure  to  take  an  appeal. 
His  customers  were  the  first  judges  and  lawyers  of  the  State, 
and  from  long  and  constant  contact  with  them  he  seemed  to 
have  acquired  their  inspiration.  He  was  a  Methodist  by 
profession,  being  a  member  of  the  Jackson-street  M.  E. 
Church.  In  the  early  history  of  that  church  it  was  called 
Spradling's  Church.  He  died  in  the  year  1867  and  his  body 
was  rested  in  the  Jackson-street  church,  Rev.  Hiram  Revels, 
ex-Senator,  preached  the  sermon.  His  wealth  was  esti 
mated  to  be  one  hundred  and  thirty-five  thousand  dollars, 
which  was  willed  to  his  wife,  children,  and  grandchildren. 
His  son,  \Vm.  Spradling,  was  his  successor. 

David  Straws,  a  prominent  barber  and  an  honored  citi 
zen,  was  conspicuous  among  the  colored  citizens.  He  was 
born  a  slave,  but  purchased  his  freedom,  and  by  application 
to  business  acquired  some  very  good  property,  one  piece 
located  on  Sixth  Street,  an  annex  to  the  Louisville  Hotel. 
He  was  a  prominent  member  of  the  Fourth-street  M.  E. 
Church,  and  figured  very  prominently  in  the  lawsuits  against 
the  white  Methodist  South  and  the  Harper  split  against  the 
African  M.  E.  Church.  He  died  in  1868  and  willed  his 
property  to  his  wife,  May  Straws. 

Peter  Lewis,  George  Sutton,  and  Willis  Taylor  were  noted 
colored  painters  of  their  day.  Peter  Lewis,  at  one  time, 
controlled  the  principal  jobs  of  the  city  and  employed  many 
hands  and  apprentices.  He  acquired  some  good  property, 
but  lost  it  by  security  debts. 

Cain  Bazil,  Jackson  Burks,  Moses  Lawson,  James  Tate. 


PUBLIC    CAREER   OF   W.    H.   GIBSON,   SR.  27 

and  Green  Stevens  were  engaged  in  merchandising,  running 
carpet  and  furnishing  stores.  They  made  comfortable  liv 
ings  and  acquired  some  property.  James  Tate  is  the  only 
one  of  this  group  that  survives. 

John  and  Berry  Evans  were  noted  boss  carpenters. 

Jesse  Merriwether  was  a  noted  carpenter.  He  was  born 
a  slave,  but  was  freed  by  consenting  to  go  to  Africa,  which 
he  did  in  1847,  remained  one  year,  and  returned  and  lived 
and  died  here  in  sight  of  his  liberators. 

Bartlett  Taylor  was  a  noted  butcher  before  the  war.  He 
had  a  stall  in  one  of  our  principal  market-houses  and  did  a 
flourishing  business.  He  was  impressed  and  called  to  the 
ministry,  closed  out  business,  and  joined  the  itineracy  of  the 
A.  M.  E.  Church.  He  was  successful  in  his  labors  and  con 
sidered  the  church-builder  of  the  Kentucky  Conference.  He 
is  now  numbered  on  the  superannuated  role,  and  has  a  com 
fortable  home. 

Wm.  Malone  is  a  boss  bricklayer  and  controls  a  large 
patronage. 

Adam  Nichols,  J.  Morand,  and  Chas.  Logan  are  boss 
mechanics,  blacksmiths  and  wagon-makers. 

C.  B.  Clay  is  a  noted  tailor  on  Broadway,  and  receives 
liberal  patronage. 

Henry  Cozzens  was  a  prominent  barber  in  the  Louisville 
Hotel,  but  changed  his  business  to  that  of  a  confectioner. 
His  confectionery  and  ice  cream  saloon  was  the  resort  of  the 
elite  among  his  people.  For  years  the  name  of  Cozzens' 
Saloon  was  known  from  New  Orleans  to  Pittsburg.  He  was 
also  a  great  church  man,  and  was  in  his  glory  when  he  had 
the  clergy  as  his  guest. 

John  Morris,  another  noted  barber,  was  a  highly  esteemed 
citizen  of  Louisville,  and  acquired  considerable  property. 


28  PUBLIC    CAREER    OF    W.    H.    GIBSON,   SR. 

He  was  a  very  humane  man  and  a  Christian  gentleman. 
Alexander  Morris,  his  nephew,  succeeds  him  in  business,  is 
highly  respected,  has  held  several  important  positions  in  the 
Government  service,  and  is  chairman  of  the  Centennial 
Commission  of  the  Colored  Department  of  Kentucky  at 
Nashville,  Tenn.  His  brothers,  Shelton  and  Alexander, 
were  of  the  same  profession — tonsorial  artists.  Alexander 
died  in  New  Orleans,  La.,  of  yellow  fever,  in  1848.  Shel 
ton  acquired  considerable  property  in  Louisville,  but  closed 
out  business  and  moved  to  Cincinnati,  O.,  in  the  forties,  be 
ing  accused  of  voting  for  Gen.  Harrison  for  President; 
from  Cincinnati  he  moved  to  Xenia  or  Wilberforce,  where 
he  engaged  in  farming.  He  died  a  few  years  ago,  and  left 
a  widow  and  several  children  to  inherit  his  property.  The 
children  and  grandchildren  occupy  prominent  positions  in 
society. 

Theodore  Sterritt  and  Nathan  B.  Rogers,  for  many  years 
conspicuous  as  barbers  at  the  old  Gait  House,  with  the 
notable  Major  Throckmorton,  were  quiet  and  Christian 
gentlemen.  Rogers  acquired  considerable  property,  and 
bequeathed  it  to  his  wife  and  children  at  his  death,  in  1891. 

J.  C.  N.  Fowles  and  Austin  Hubbard  were  prominent 
barbers.  Hubbard  died  a  few  years  ago. 

Madison  Smith  conducted  a  stove  manufactory  and  ac 
quired  considerable  wealth.  He  closed  business,  moved  to 
Indiana,  and  engaged  in  farming,  where  he  died.  His 
wife  remained  there,  conducting  the  farm. 

Green  Smith  was  a  leading  plasterer,  and  employed  a 
number  of  hands  and  apprentices.  Many  of  the  fine  build 
ings  of  Louisville  received  the  finishing  stroke  of  his  trowel. 

Willis  Talbot  and  brother,  John  Jordan,  were  first-class 
carpenters.  Willis  was  born  -a  slave,  but  acquired  his  free- 


PUBLIC    CAREER    OF    W.    H.    GIBSON,   SR.  29 

dom  by  his  genius  and  skilled  workmanship  in  wood.  His 
master,  Dr.  Johnson,  took  him  to  New  York  to  examine  the 
fine  buildings  of  that  city,  so  that  he  could  return  and  build 
him  a  house  from  the  designs  that  they  had  examined.  He 
was  equal  to  the  task  and  obtained  his  freedom.  The  build 
ing  in  that  day  was  considered  one  of  the  finest  in  the  city. 
He  was  noted  as  a  great  stair-builder,  and  he  worked  for  the 
leading  contractors,  until  his  age  retired  him  from  labor. 

The  Fox  Brothers,  J.  H.  Taylor,  and  Wm.  Watson  con 
trolled  the  undertaking  business.  It  was  introduced  by  J.  H. 
Taylor  in  1867.  Mrs.  Fox  succeeded  her  husband  and  man 
aged  the  business  for  many  years.  J.  H.  Taylor  and  Wm. 
Watson  now  handle  the  business  of  the  various  societies, 
churches,  and  the  colored  community  generally. 

George  Brown  and  Daniel  Clemmons  were  professional 
caterers,  and  their  establishment,  during  the  war,  was  the 
resort  of  noted  generals  and  distinguished  citizens.  Their 
menu  was  such  as  the  most  fastidious  might  crave. 

Frank  Gray  and  Thornton  Thompson  are  noted  caterers, 
and  they  have  acquired  considerable  property. 

William  Butcher,  for  upwards  of  thirty-five  years,  was  with 
the  firm  of  Bradley  &  Gilbert.  He  was  connected  with  the 
office  when  Messrs.  Bradley  and  Gilbert  were  apprentices, 
and  much  of  the  knowledge  they  acquired  of  the  printing 
business  was  obtained  under  the  tutelage  of  Mr.  Butcher. 
He  remained  with  them  up  to  the  time  of  his  death.  He 
was  skilled  as  a  pressman,  working  on  the  first  Adams' 
presses  that  were  shipped  west  of  the  Alleghany  Mountains. 
He  occupied  a  prominent  position  among  his  people — a 
devout  Christian  and  charitable  to  the  poor  and  needy.  He 
was  one  of  the  first  warranted  members  of  Mt.  Moriah 
Lodge,  held  many  posts  of  honor,  and  died  in  1892.  He 


30  PUBLIC    CAREER    OF    W.    H.    GIBSON,   SR. 

willed  his  property  to  his  sister,  at  her  death  to  be  given  to 
Mt.  Moriah  Lodge,  F.  A.  Masons. 

SOCIETY    AMONG    THE    FREE    COLORED    PEOPLE. 

Among  the  harassing  scenes  that  the  system  of  slavery 
produced,  there  were,  at  times,  here  and  there,  a  few  oases, 
as  it  were,  where  the  free  people  could  assemble  and  rest 
from  the  environments  from  which  the  peculiar  situation 
subjected  them  to  during  the  forties  and  fifties. 

The  great  highway  between  Pittsburg  and  New  Orleans, 
the  Ohio  and  Mississippi  rivers,  on  whose  bosom  floated  the 
palatial  steamers  loaded  with  the  products  of  those  valleys, 
and  giving  employment  to  thousands  of  free  colored  men 
and  women,  had  its  clouds  and  its  sunshine.  Often,  when 
arriving  at  New  Orleans,  the  steward,  or  some  one  of  his 
crew,  would  be  arrested  for  coming  into  the  State  in  con 
travention  of  the  law.  We  have  known  men  and  women, 
free  born,  who  would  choose  some  officer  of  the  boat  to  act 
as  his  master,  in  order  to  evade  the  law.  At  other  times,  for 
a  sufficient  sum  of  money,  a  white  woman  or  Creole  would 
swear  before  a  court  that  you  were  born  in  the  State,  or  that 
she  was  your  godmother;  and  when  these  subterfuges  failed 
the  free  negro  was  sold,  until  some  one  redeemed  him  from 
the  shackles  of  the  chain-gang. 

These  cruel,  unjust  laws  and  punishments  did  not  deter 
these  free  men  and  women  from  contesting  and  contending 
for  the  right  to  make  a  living  on  these  great  highways. 

The  same  instinct  that  leads  the  white  race  to  dangers 
and  put  their  lives  in  peril  in  the  mines,  on  the  sea,  on 
desert,  or  wherever  money  is  found  to  enhance  his  happiness 
and  that  of  his  family,  and  the  same  spirit  of  perseverance, 
were  displayed  by  the  free  men  and  women,  at  the  risk  of 


PUBLIC    CAREER    OF  W.   H.   GIBSON,   SR.  31 

becoming  slaves.  With  all  of  these  surroundings  it  showed 
a  spirit  of  indomitable  courage,  whose  example  may  well  be 
copied  by  the  present  generation. 

The  occupation  of  steward  was  a  position  of  rank,  com 
manding  a  salary  of  from  $150  to  $200  per  month;  second 
stewards  from  $75  to  $100;  barbers,  on  a  trip  from  Pitts- 
burg,  Cincinnati,  and  Louisville  to  New  Orleans,  netted  from 
$50  to  $75  ;  cabin  boys  from  $40  to  $50  a  trip;  stewardesses 
from  $50  to  $100. 

When  in  port  these  employes,  though  free  and  in  a 
slave  country,  would  seek  their  pleasure,  for  many  of  them 
owned  their  property  in  those  ports,  and  on  the  arrival  of 
these  steamers  a  large  party  or  some  amusement  for  their 
family  and  friends  was  given.  The  music  of  violin  or  piano 
would  be  heard  until  the  wee  hours  of  morning. 

During  the  forties  and  fifties  was  the  golden  age  of  steam- 
boating  on  the  Ohio  and  Mississippi  rivers  among  the  free 
colored  men  and  women.  Music  was  furnished  on  all  the 
steamers  for  the  passengers,  and  colored  musicians  were 
always  in  demand,  as  the  foreigner  had  not  monopolized 
everything  in  that  line  as  now.  The  colored  artist  of  those 
days  made  a  respectable  competency  during  the  boating 
seasons.  Musicians  from  the  East  would  come  West  and 
South,  as  they  were  in  demand.  Among  them  were  mem 
bers  of  the  celebrated  Frank  Johnson's  Band,  of  Philadel 
phia,  the  same  that  escorted  Gen.  William  Henry  Harrison 
to  the  West  in  the  forties,  after  his  election  to  the  Presidency. 
Prof.  Johnson  also  visited  England  about  that  time,  played 
before  the  Queen  of  England,  and  received  from  her  a  silver 
bugle.  Among  the  most  notable  of  those  musicians  playing 
on  the  boats  were  Prof.  Anderson  Lewis,  George  Hamlet, 
the  "Ole  Bull"  of  his  race  as  a  violinist;  Elijah  Smith,  the 

10 


32  PUBLIC    CAREER    OF   W.    H.    GIBSON,    SR. 

renowned  violincello  player;  Edward  Johnson,  the  clarinet 
ist;  Samuel  L.  White,  the  guitarist,  and  others  of  that  cele 
brated  band.  These  men  were  also  composers,  as  we  have 
in  our  library  a  number  of  pieces  dedicated  to  the  steamers 
Eclipse,  Mary  Hunt,  A.  L.  Shotwell,  and  Falls  City,  by 
Geo.  Hamlet. 

The  prominent  stewards  of  our  city  were  Wm.  Rankin, 
Salin  Stephney,  David  Clark,  T.  H.  Miller,  Jas.  Dungy, 
Joseph  Brady,  David  Wells,  John  Rankin,  Conoway  Barber, 
Leonidas  Cox,  Dabney  Page,  and  Sullivan  Clark.  These  men 
were  highly  respected  by  the  citizens  generally,  and  most  of 
them  acquired  property  and  lived  comfortably  in  their  homes. 
The  finest  hotels  in  the  country  furnished  no  finer  bills  of 
fare  than  these  stewards  did  for  the  Ohio  and  Mississippi 
steamers.  This  class  of  freemen  were  compelled  to  use  dis 
cretion  in  their  intercourse  with  their  slave  brethren.  Some 
times  close  conversation  or  undue  familiarity  would  cause 
suspicion  from  their  masters,  and  if  one  should  escape  to 
Canada  the  freeman  would  probably  be  arrested  as  being 
connected  with  the  Underground  Railroad. 

A    VISIT    TO    THE    FREESOIL    CONVENTION    AT    PITTSBURG, 
PA.,    IN    1852. 

Being  imbued  with  the  spirit  of  freedom,  and  living,  as 
it  were,  in  a  "  Pent  up  Utica,"  we  desired  to  see  the  lead 
ers  and  listen  to  the  discussions  of  this  great  question  that  so 
aroused  the  nation  from  North  to  South,  from  East  to  West. 
We  stealthily  stole  away  by  steamer  to  the  Smoky  City,  but 
few  friends  knowing  our  destination.  On  arriving  there,  we 
sought  the  Convention  Hall,  which  was  filled  to  its  utmost 
capacity.  For  the  first  time  we  saw  the  leaders  of  this  great 
political  movement,  which  culminated  in  the  protection  of  the 


PUBLIC    CAREER    OF    W.    H.    GIBSON,    SR.  33 

virgin  soil  against  the  blighting  curse  of  slavery.  For  the  first 
time  we  saw  that  trio  of  negro  leaders,  Frederick  Douglass, 
William  Harlan  Garnett,  and  Dr.  Martin  R.  Delany,  asso 
ciated  with  such  men  as  Henry  Wilson,  W.  L.  Garrison, 
Thaddeus  Stevens,  and  others. 

The  subject  of  free  and  slave  territory  was  fully  and  ably 
discussed  in  all  of  its  bearings;  also  the  policy  of  nominating 
candidates  upon  a  platform  that  would  secure  to  the  emigrant 
free  and  untrammeled  liberty  from  the  encroachment  of  slave 
holders. 

When  Frederick  Douglass  arose  to  speak  upon  those  mo 
mentous  subjects,  he  related  an  incident  that  occurred  on  his 
trip  to  Pittsburg,  he  being  in  company  with  the  delegation  from 
Rochester,  N.  Y. — all  white  but  himself.  When  the  train 
stopped  for  dinner  everybody  rushed  to  the  hotel,  among 
them  Mr.  Douglass.  The  proprietor,  standing  at  the  door 
to  receive  his  guests,  when  Mr.  Douglass  attempted  to  enter, 
remarked:  "You  can  not  enter  my  dining-room!"  Mr. 
Douglass,  whith  his  massive  form,  straightened  up,  and  with 
that  silver-toned  voice,  exclaimed  from  the  door-way:  "Is 
there  anyone  who  objects  to  Frederick  Douglass  entering 
this  dining-room?"  The  answer  came  immediately  from 
a  hundred  voices,  "  No !  No !  No !  "  The  proprietor  stepped 
aside,  and  Mr.  Douglass  was  the  hero  of  the  dining-hall. 
His  speech  was  the  ablest  that  we  had  ever  heard  from  a 
colored  man,  and  we  felt  more  than  compensated  for  travel 
ing  five  hundred  miles  to  hear  him. 

It  was  our  first  visit  to  a  National  Convention,  and  that  a 
Freesoil  Convention.  The  impression  there  made  will  never 
be  eradicated.  We  subscribed  for  the  paper  published  by 
Mr.  Douglass,  at  Rochester,  N.  Y. ;  one  for  myself,  and  one 
for  each  of  my  friends,  Jesse  Merriwether  and  James  Cun- 


34  PUBLIC    CAREER    OF    W.   H.    GIBSON,   SR. 

ningham.  We  had  them  mailed  to  New  Albany,  Ind.,  in 
the  care  of  my  friend,  Wm.  Harding.  They  were  brought 
over,  read  by  us,  and  the  subject-matter  discussed.  When 
through  with  them  we  hid  them  in  the  top  of  the  piano, 
among  the  music,  for  had  the  authorities  known  of  that 
seditious  sheet  (as  it  was  termed  at  that  time)  our  peace  and 
happiness  would  have  been  disturbed. 

THE    FUGITIVE    SLAVE    LAW    OF    1850. 

This  law  presented  to  the  free  negroes  of  the  United 
States  a  panic.  Every  State  north  of  the  Mason  and  Dixon 
line  became  a  hunting-ground  for  the  slave-owner  and  slave- 
catcher  for  fugitive  slaves. 

The  decision  rendered  by  Judge  Taney,  of  the  Supreme 
Court  of  the  United  States,  "That  negroes  had  no  rights 
that  white  men  were  bound  to  respect,"  set  every  negro-hater 
wild  for  blood.  The  President  of  the  United  States,  Millard 
Fillmore,  issued  a  proclamation  for  its  execution,  and  in  a 
short  time  the  United  States  Army  and  Navy  were  in  hot 
pursuit  of  the  fleeing  fugitive  at  the  behest  of  his  master. 
The  streets  of  Boston,  the  cradle  of  freedom,  was  desecrated 
by  the  tramp  of  this  army. 

Frederick  Douglass,  who  had  escaped  to  the  North,  and 
for  years  lectured  and  exposed  the  nefarious  system,  escaped 
to  England  and  there  remained  until  his  body  was  purchased 
by  the  friends  of  freedom  and  the  slave.  Other  noted  fugi 
tives,  who  had  lived  North  for  years  and  raised  large  families, 
had  to  flee  for  their  lives,  for  resistance  was  death. 

This  decision  had  its  effect  upon  the  large  free  population 
in  the  southern  cities.  The  legislatures  enacted  oppressive 
laws,  forcing  them  to  leave  the  States  or  virtually  become 
slaves.  In  our  own  State.  Kentucky,  there  was  a  bill  offered 


PUBLIC   CAREER   OF    W.    H.   GIBSON,   SR.  35 

to  bind  out  all  free  negro  children  until  they  were  of  age. 
This  bill  aroused  the  free  families,  and  an  exodus  took  place. 
Families  left  this  city  to  look  for  other  quarters  of  freer  soil. 
Some  went  to  Northern  Ohio,  Michigan,  Canada,  and  others 
left  in  groups,  prospecting  for  a  place  to  settle,  fearing  that 
the  bill  would  pass.  The  writer  was  one  of  a  party  who  left 
the  city  and  visited  Ohio,  Illinois,  Michigan,  and  Canada. 
Some  of  the  party  made  purchases  in  those  States  and  in 
Canada.  The  writer  and  several  of  our  citizens  purchased 
in  Chatham,  Windsor,  and  London.  The  bill  failed  to  be 
come  a  law;  for  it  had  many  opponents  and  friends  of  the 
free  people  in  the  legislature.  A  large  number  of  the  legis 
lature  were  gradual  Emancipationists,  and  hence  would  not 
support  the  bill. 

The  writer  was  handled  very  roughly  on  one  occasion  du 
ring  these  perilous  times.  Having  visited  the  East  and  re 
turning  West,  when  arriving  at  Seymour,  Ind.,  he,  with  other 
colored  passengers,  were  driven  out  of  the  passenger  coach 
by  a  mob  into  the  baggage  car,  among  the  dogs  of  the  hunts 
men  (for  it  was  in  the  fall  season).  The  mob  swore  that  no 
negroes  should  ride  in  the  coach  with  white  people.  Such 
was  the  effect  of  that  iniquitous  bill  upon  the  condition  of 
the  colored  people.  History  seems  to  be  repeating  itself  in 
that  of  the  separate  coach  laws  of  this  day  and  time. 

The  laws  inspired  the  slave-hunters,  for  large  rewards 
were  offered  for  the  return  of  absconding  slaves.  A  female 
slave  of  a  noted  family  of  Kentucky  was  traced  to  Cincin 
nati,  O.  She  was  arrested,  and  the  court  under  the  law 
consigned  her  to  her  master.  She  was  a  mother.  She  and 
her  infant  were  placed  on  board  of  a  steamer  plying  be 
tween  Cincinnati  and  Louisville,  and  when  a  few  miles  from 
shore  she  plunged  into  the  river,,  with  her  babe  in  her  arms, 


36  PUBLIC    CAREER   OF   \V.    H.    GIBSON,   SR. 

and  was  drowned  before  assistance  could  be  rendered.  She 
sought  a  watery  grave  in  preference  to  slavery  and  the 
punishment  that  awaited  her  on  her  return. 

SYSTEM    OF    PATROLLING,   AS    IT  WAS    CALLED,   BY    POLICEMEN. 

It  was  an  iniquitous  system  during  those  days  of  horror, 
It  was  customary  for  three  or  four  of  those  guardians  of  the 
night  to  visit  the  houses  of  free  families  at  midnight,  search 
their  houses,  uncover  females  in  their  beds,  and  ask  for  run 
away  slaves,  or  negroes  from  free  States  here  in  contraven 
tion  of  the  laws  of  the  State.  We  have  known  instances, 
when  such  persons  were  found,  in  which  they  were  impris 
oned,  fined  heavily,  or  ordered  to  leave  the  State.  These 
occurrences  were  immediately  reported  to  our  ministers  of 
those  days,  and  they  would  console  their  congregations  by 
requesting  fasting  and  prayer,  especially  on  Fridays,  for  de 
liverance.  You  who  read  this  history  can  judge  whether 
their  prayers  were  answered. 

A    MINISTER    PRAYED    OUT   OF   THE  CHAIN-GANG  WHILE    GOING 
THROUGH    THE    CANAL    ON    A    STEAMER    FOR    THE    SOUTH. 

Frederick  Cranshaw,  a  slave,  though  entitled  to  his  free 
dom,  was  kidnapped  and  placed  in  the  hands  of  traders. 
Passing  through  the  canal  was  a  slow  movement  for  boats 
in  those  days.  The  church  people  heard  of  the  arrest — it 
was  on  Sunday — they  hurried  to  the  canal  in  crowds,  singing 
and  praying  to  God  to  stop  the  boat  and  deliver  Bro.  Fred 
erick.  The  excitement  grew  so  intense  that  the  sheriff  ar 
rested  the  captain  and  had  the  matter  investigated. 

It  was  proven  by  the  investigation  that  Bro.  Frederick  was 
entitled  to  his  freedom.  His  chains  were  stricken  off,  and  a 
great  prayer-meeting  held  in  the  old  Fourth-street  Church, 


PUBLIC   CAREER    OF    W.    H.    GIBSON,   SR.  37 

thanking  God  for  his  deliverance.  We  were  personally  ac 
quainted  with  Bro.  Frederick  Myers.  Cranshaw  was  the 
name  of  his  owner,  and  he  was  often  called  by  that  name. 
He  was  a  member  of  the  Indiana  Conference  A.  M.  E. 
Church,  and  held  prominent  appointments  in  that  State.  He 
was  a  member  of  the  Missouri  Conference  when  last  we 
heard  of  him.  Frederick  Myers  is  extensively  known  by  the 
older  citizens  of  Louisville.  He  also  had  charge  of  Asbury 
Chapel  after  the  lawsuit  between  Harper  and  Strauss. 

BLOODY    MONDAY,   AUGUST,    1855 — MURDERING  AND  BURNING 
THE    HOUSES    OF    IRISH    CITIZENS. 

The  political  campaign  of  that  year  created  many  bloody 
scenes  in  Louisville  among  the  Irish  citizens,  from  the  fact 
that  they,  with  others  of  the  foreign  element,  had  opposed 
the  common  or  public  school  tax.  The  Catholics  bitterly 
opposed  the  system,  and  desired  their  taxes  separated  for  de 
nominational  purposes.  This  gave  rise  to  the  "American" 
or  "Know-nothing  Party"  throughout  many  of  the  States, 
and  a  severe  conflict  was  the  result  at  the  polls,  especially  in 
the  large  cities.  One  of  the  bloodiest  scenes  or  tragedies 
ever  witnessed  occurred  at  the  polls  in  Louisville.  Every 
Irishman  or  foreigner  who  dared  to  approach  the  polls  were 
assailed  by  the  American  or  Know-nothing  Party  and  driven 
away,  clubs  and  guns  being  used  in  districts  where  the 
Irish  were  largely  located.  The  bloodiest  scene  occurred  on 
Twelfth  and  Main  streets,  where  a  whole  block  of  buildings 
was  burned,  and  the  inmates  shot  down  while  escaping. 
Seven  were  burned  in  the  buildings,  and  among  them  a  Ro 
man  Catholic  priest.  The  bodies  were  conveyed  to  the  Court 
house,  where  the  inquest  was  held,  and  were  viewed  by 
thousands  of  spectators.  In  the  eastern  portion  of  the  city 


38  PUBLIC   CAREER    OF    W.   H.   GIBSON,   SR. 

the  Germans  were  attacked,  but  they  did  not  fare  so  badly 
as  their  Irish  fellow-citizens.  The  negro  was  only  a  spec 
tator  to  these  scenes.  It  was  a  white  man's  fight,  the  ne 
groes'  troubles  being  reserved  for  the  near  future. 

THE    SCHOOLS    OF    THE    FORTIES    AND    FIFTIES. 

Three  schools  were  taught  at  that  time  by  colored  teach 
ers,  viz.  :  R.  M.  Lane,  Rev.  Peter  Booth,  and  Rev.  Henry 
Adams ;  but  as  their  schools  were  more  on  the  outskirts  of 
the  city,  they  were  not  thought  to  be  so  objectionable.  We 
opened  a  school  on  the  corner  of  Fourth  and  Green  streets, 
and  trusted  in  God  for  its  guidance  and  protection.  We 
taught  there  for  three  years,  until  the  building  was  sold,  in 
1851.  During  our  location  there  we  had  school  exhibitions, 
singing  classes,  night  schools,  and  concerts,  and  without 
molestation.  Mrs.  Hoffman  and  Miss  Cummins  taught  small 
private  schools. 

The  greatest  novelty  was  the  first  introduction  of  a  musical 
instrument  in  a  colored  church  in  this  city.  Our  music 
classes  were  led  by  a  violin,  and  our  concerts  accompanied 
by  an  orchestra,  composed  of  colored  and  white  musicians. 
Prof.  James  Cunningham  and  Henry  Williams  employed 
German  musicians  in  their  bands.  The  Germans  had  not 
learned  the  prejudice  existing  against  the  negro  in  the 
forties.  The  following  incident  I  witnessed  in  Baltimore, 
Md. ,  during  a  grand  parade  :  A  colored  band  was  driven  out 
of  the  procession  by  Gen.  Smith,  who  rode  his  horse  over 
them,  and  all  because  the  white  band  refused  to  march  with 
them ;  but  the  company  that  employed  them  came  out  of  the 
ranks  also. 


MME.    SELIKA, 

QUEEN  OF  SONG. 


WIDOWS  AND  ORPHANS'  HOME, 
Brooks  Station,  Ky. 


PUBLIC   CAREER   OF    W.    H.    GIBSON,   SR.  39 

THE     SLAVE     AUCTION-BLOCK,    AS    SEEN     BY    THE'  WRITER    FOR 
THE    FIRST    TIME    JANUARY    I,    1848. 

Market  Street  was  the  scene  of  this  American  evil. 
Thousands  wended  their  way  thither  to  witness  the  separa 
tion  of  husband  and  wife,  children  and  parents,  never  to 
meet  again,  perhaps,  in  this  life.  On  the  auction  block  the 
auctioneer  cries,  "A  fine  negro  woman,  Sallie,  going  at  $500, 
$600,  $700.  with  no  incumbrance."  Another,  "with  two 
children,  can  be  sold  together  or  separately;"  and  another, 
"Tom,  a  fine  farm  hand,  ought  to  bring  $900 — he  hired  out 
last  year  for  $300. "  There  were  hundreds  sitting  on  the  curb 
stone  and  in  the  market-place,  with  two  or  three  children, 
and  a  baby  at  the  breast,  weeping.  The  husband  sold  in 
another  direction,  and  mother  and  children  crying,  "don't 
take  papa;"  but  their  entreaties  were  in  vain  with  those 
traders  in  human  flesh.  With  this,  our  first  view  of  the  slave 
mart,  we  left,  praying  God  that  we  might  be  saved  from 
another  such  scene. 

COLORED    ARTISTS    IN    MUSIC    AND    PHOTOGRAPHY. 

One  among  the  colored  artists  in  music  was  Henry  Wil 
liams,  the  renowned  violinist.  But  few  distinguished  white 
persons  in  the  forties  and  fifties  from  whose  parlors  could  not 
be  heard  the  sonorous  strains  of  Henry  Williams'  violin. 
He  was  employed  to  teach  their  sons  and  daughters  quadrilles 
and  mazourkas,  and  for  years  was  the  leading  spirit  of  his  pro 
fession.  James  Cunningham,  Sr. ,  successor  to  Henry  Wil 
liams,  for  many  years  was  held  in  the  same  high  esteem  as  a 
musician.  He  was  born  in  the  West  Indies  and  served  in 
the  British  Navy.  He  was  highly  cultured.  He  furnished 
music  for  all  of  the  stylish  weddings,  parties,  picnics,  etc. 


40  PUBLIC   CAREER    OF   W.    H.    GIBSON,   SR. 

His  band  was  composed  of  white  and  colored  musicians, 
among  them  Lewis  Lily,  H.  Hicks,  and  William  Cole.  His 
children  were  also  adepts  in  the  art,  two  sons  and  a  daughter 
proving  to  be  quite  proficient  as  musical  artists.  James  Cun 
ningham,  Jr.,  is  the  leader  of  the  best  colored  band  in  our 
city. 

Samuel  L.  White,  photographer  and  musician,  originally 
of  Philadelphia,  Pa.,  was  the  finest  and  most  accomplished 
guitarist  of  those  times,  and  also  a  composer.  His  studio 
was  the  resort  of  the  best  classes  of  colored  and  white  citi 
zens.  His  scholars  were  of  both  sexes,  white  and  colored.  He 
also  gave  private  lessons  in  white  families.  All  this  was  du 
ring  the  dark  days  of  slavery.  The  writer  was  also  one  of 
his  pupils,  and  can  testify  to  his  accomplishments.  Yet, 
with  these  accomplishments,  he  was  finally  compelled  to 
leave  the  State  simply  for  being  too  refined.  His  residence 
was  on  Jefferson  Street,  near  the  corner  of  Fourth  Avenue. 
The  old  Jefferson  House  was  the  corner  building  and  was 
used  as  a  hotel.  His  wife  was  a  first-class  milliner.  They 
had  many  visitors;  of  course,  he  being  such  a  distinguished 
personage,  it  could  not  have  been  otherwise.  His  busi 
ness  was  in  the  very  heart  of  the  city,  but,  unfortunately, 
this  Jefferson  Hotel  was  not  first-class,  as  its  inmates,  or 
boarders,  were  negro-haters.  The  superior  qualifications  of 
Samuel  L.  White  were  too  much  for  their  imaginations,  so 
they  began  to  harass  him  and  his  family  by  stoning  his  house 
from  the  rear  and  from  the  roof  of  the  hotel.  They  would 
hurl  stones  through  the  windows  and  break  the  dishes  on  the 
table  while  he  and  his  guests  were  at  meals,  and  with  other 
mean  devices  they  continued  to  harass  him  until  it  became 
unbearable,  as  he  had  no  protection.  Ku-kluxing  and  lynch 
ing  were  then  unknown,  but  this  substitution  answered  as 


PUBLIC    CAREER    OF    W.    H.   GIBSON,   SR.  41 

well.  When  he  applied  to  the  authorities  for  protection 
they  advised  him  to  leave  the  State,  as  this  class  would  be  a 
continual  annoyance  to  him.  Finally,  our  old  friend  bade 
us  adieu.  He  moved  to  Cincinnati,  O.,  where  he  and  his 
wife  engaged  in  business.  They  were  aged  and  devout 
members  of  the  Baptist  Church.  They  died  in  1870. 

FREE    SOIL    AND    SQUATTER    SOVEREIGNTY. 

The  great  Free  Soil  and  Squatter  Sovereignty  questions 
convulsed  the  whole  country,  and  Abraham  Lincoln  and 
Stephen  A.  Douglass  debated  the  issues  of  that  campaign. 
Mr.  Douglass  visited  Louisville  soon  afterward  and  spoke  to 
immense  crowds.  The  people  were  entertained  by  the  most 
noted  and  hated  man  in  the  State  as  an  Abolitionist  and 
advocate  of  human  rights,  Cassius  M.  Clay.  In  his  speech, 
when  advocating  the  cause  of  the  negro,  he  was  asked  what 
he  was  going  to  do  with  the  negro.  He  replied  that  he 
would  first  free  him  and  then  free  the  poor  white  man.  His 
speech,  it  is  supposed,  gained  but  few  converts  in  this  local 
ity,  as  the  feeling  was  very  bitter  against  the  advocates  of  the 
Free  Soil  and  Emancipation  doctrine;  in  fact,  it  was  thought 
that  he  would  not  be  allowed  to  speak  in  this  city,  but  Cas 
sius  Clay  feared  no  threats.  The  writer  was  present  in  the 
city  of  Frankfort,  the  capital  of  the  State,  during  the  same 
campaign.  The  Capitol  door  was  closed  against  him  when 
he  had  an  appointment  to  speak  there.  The  friends  of  Mr. 
Clay  held  the  meeting  in  the  Capitol  Square,  with  hundreds 
of  candles  to  light  up  the  grounds,  that  the  people  might  see 
and  hear  the  great  orator.  The  negro  element  was  aroused 
at  the  crisis  that  seemed  impending;  they  discussed  these 
issues  among  themselves  and  concluded  that  a  conflict  was 
at  hand,  and  that  it  would  be  safer  to  reside  north  of  the 


42  PUBLIC   CAREER    OF    W.   H.    GIBSON,   SR. 

Mason  and  Dixon  line,  and  they  were  not  very  slow  in  going, 
many  of  them  free  and  many  slaves,  the  slaves  taking  the 
Underground  Railroad. 

From  1855  to  1860  a  spirit  of  unrest  pervaded  this  com 
munity  among  the  colored  citizens,  yet  they  trusted  God  and 
persevered  to  do  the  right,  looking  forward  to  some  miracu 
lous  change. 

FREE    MASONRY. 

In  the  year  1850  Rev.  Bird  Parker,  minister  of  the 
A.  M.  E.  Church  (now  Quinn  Chapel),  met  a  number  of 
gentlemen  at  the  house  of  Jesse  Merriwether,  on  Walnut 
Street,  between  Ninth  and  Tenth  streets.  The  object  of  the 
meeting  was  to  consider  the  propriety  of  organizing  a  ma 
sonic  lodge.  Several  meetings  were  held,  and  finally  they 
concluded  to  organize.  Several  Masons  from  Cincinnati, 
O.,  met  with  them.  A  question  arose  in  the  meeting,  and 
was  discussed  pro  and  con.,  whether  it  would  be  advisable 
to  establish  a  lodge  in  Louisville  while  the  prejudice  was  so 
strong  against  free  negroes,  as  none  but  those  could  be 
received.  This  question  caused  a  split,  and  the  majority 
decided  to  locate  the  lodge  at  New  Albany,  Ind.,  for  a 
while,  at  least.  The  necessary  number  for  institution  was 
secured  and  they  went  to  Cincinnati,  O.,  and  received  their 
warrant  from  the  Grand  Lodge  of  Ohio.  Richard  H. 
Gleaves,  Grand  Master  of  Ohio,  set  Mount  Moriah  Lodge 
No.  i  to  work  June  12,  1850.  For  three  years  they  remained 
at  New  Albany,  Ind.  They  labored  under  many  disadvan 
tages,  such  as  crossing  the  river  in  skiffs  at  midnight,  amid 
high  water  and  heavy  drifts,  at  the  risk  of  their  lives,  and  then 
walking  five  miles  up  to  the  city.  They  finally  concluded 
to  move  to  Louisville,  Ky. ,  though  there  was  a  nucleus  fora 
lodge  left  at  New  Albany  with  those  brethren  who  lived  in 
that  city. 


PUBLIC   CAREER   OF    W.    H.    GIBSON,   SR.  43 

Our  advent  into  Kentucky  was  with  many  forebodings, 
but  we  were  not  molested  until  the  year  1859,  about  the  time 
of  the  "  John  Brown  raid."  The  excitement  that  prevailed 
in  Virginia  and  all  of  the  Southern  States  had  extended  to 
Kentucky.  All  free  negro  assemblies  were  closely  watched. 
At  one  of  our  meetings  the  police  made  a  raid  on  us  and 
marched  us  to  jail.  The  writer  was  secretary  of  the  lodge. 
We  were  ordered  to  bring  the  books  along,  so  that  they  could 
see  what  we  were  doing. 

The  jailer  refused  to  put  us  in  the  castle,  but  directed  us 
to  the  court-room.  He  sent  for  the  police  judge,  who  came 
and  interrogated  us,  and  dismissed  us  until  morning.  He 
took  our  words  as  our  bonds  to  return.  We  returned  in  the 
morning,  but  they  refused  to  admit  us  into  court  or  try  the 
case.  So  ended  this  farce  or  incarceration  of  negro  Masons 
in  Kentucky. 

The  Grand  Lodge  of  Kentucky  was  organized  in  1866 
under  the  "National  Compact." 

STATE    SOVEREIGNTY    ESTABLISHED    1875. 

Rev.  J.  H.  Sweres,  with  a  number  of  others,  petitioned 
the  Grand  Lodge  of  Ohio,  W.  H.  Parham,  Most  Worthy 
Grand  Master,  for  a  dispensation  to  organize  a  body  of  Free 
Masons  in  the  city  of  Louisville.  It  was  granted,  but  not 
without  an  appeal  and  a  stubborn  resistance  from  the  Grand 
Lodge  of  Kentucky.  Blue  lodges,  chapters,  and  Knight 
Templars  were  established.  This  caused  quite  a  rivalry  in 
Masonry  and  considerable  bad  feeling  among  the  craft  of 
the  two  bodies.  The  old  Kentucky  Grand  Lodge  renounced 
the  National  Compact  and  declared  State  sovereignty  in 
order  to  meet  the  views  formerly  held  by  Ohio,  but  no  con 
cession  seemed  to  prevail,  and  the  strife  was  very  bitter  for 


44  PUBLIC    CAREER   OF    W.    H.   GIBSON,   SR. 

several  years.  A  few  brethren  of  cool  head  and  pure  hearts 
believed  that  this  difficulty  could  be  adjusted  and  peace  and 
harmony  be  strengthened.  Henry  King,  of  Lexington,  Ky., 
being  elected  Grand  Master  of  the  State,  he  appointed  a 
•committee  of  Past  Masters  of  the  State  of  Kentucky  to  open 
up  a  correspondence  with  the  Grand  Master  of  Ohio,  W.  H. 
Parham,  to  learn  upon  what  terms  a  settlement  could  be 
made  between  the  two  grand  bodies.  The  following  was  the 
committee :  W.  H.  Gibson,  Wm.  Spradling,  Austin  Hub- 
bard,  Horace  Morris,  and  Wm.  Butcher.  W.  H.  Gibson 
•conducted  the  correspondence  and  a  meeting  was  arranged 
to  take  place  at  Cincinnati,  O.  Grand  Master  Parham  and 
a  committee  from  the  Grand  Lodge  of  Ohio  met  and  dis 
cussed  the  difficulty  that  had  caused  the  strained  relations 
between  the  Grand  Lodge  of  Kentucky  and  the  Grand  Lodge 
of  Ohio.  They  finally  made  a  settlement  as  follows:  That 
when  the  lodges  in  Kentucky  working  under  the  Grand 
Lodge  of  Ohio  desired  to  withdraw  from  Ohio  and  attach 
themselves  to  the  Grand  Lodge  of  Kentucky,  Ohio  would 
grant  the  transfer  by  a  proper  exchange  of  warrants  and  a 
settlement  of  all  other  claims,  and  that  Ohio  would  cease  to 
make  Masons  in  Kentucky  while  this  amity  existed.  This 
proposition  was  accepted  by  Kentucky  and  an  amicable  rela 
tionship  established  between  the  two  grand  bodies.  For 
years  the  members  of  the  lodges  of  Louisville  visited  the 
lodges  under  Ohio's  warrants,  and  vice  versa.  They  sought 
the  friendship  that  is  taught  and  the  duties  of  one  Mason  to 
another  until  finally  this  manner  of  courtship  proved  to  be  a 
wedding.  The  lodges,  chapters,  and  Knight  Templars  ex 
changed  warrants  and  became  a  part  and  parcel  of  the 
Grand  Lodge  of  Kentucky.  This  action  caused  another 
grievance  on  the  part  of  the  Ohio  Grand  Lodge  concerning 


PUBLIC   CAREER   OF    W.    H.   GIBSON,   SR.  45 

some  informalities  in  regard  to  the  exchange  of  warrants. 
Another  committee  was  appointed  by  the  Grand  Lodge  of 
Kentucky  to  meet  in  Cincinnati  with  a  committee  from  the 
Grand  Lodge  of  Ohio  and  adjust  this  grievance,  which  was 
accomplished  by  the  following  committee  on  the  part  of 
Kentucky :  W.  H.  Steward,  Horace  Morris,  and  Chas.  Steel, 
Grand  Master. 

ODD    FELLOWS. 

* 

Our  relation  with  the  United  Order  of  Odd  Fellows  was 
most  courteous  from  1872  to  1888.  I  was  an  active  member 
of  St.  Luke  Lodge  No.  1771,  and  was  one  of  the  committee 
of  Union  and  St.  Luke  lodges  that  concluded  we  had  paid 
enough  money  to  white  real  estate  agents  for  rent,  and  that 
it  was  time  to  assemble  in  our  own  property.  Being  con 
vinced  of  this  fact,  the  two  lodges,  Union  and  St.  Luke, 
joined  their  treasuries  together,  amounting  to  near  $800,  sent 
out  a  committee,  composed  of  Alonzo  Black,  Shelton  Guest, 
and  Alex.  Lily,  from  Union  Lodge,  and  W.  H.  Gibson  and 
Charles  Lewis,  from  St.  Luke  Lodge,  who  investigated  and 
purchased  property  for  a  hall  on  Green  Street,  between 
Thirteenth  and  Fourteenth,  at  $2,500,  with  three  years  to 
pay  for  it.  It  was  paid  for  in  twenty-one  months.  These  two 
lodges  invited  the  other  lodges,  patriarchies  and  H.  of  Ruths, 
to  take  stock  in  the  building,  shares  $  i  oo  each.  They  accepted 
the  invitation,  formed  a  consolidated  lodge,  and  obtained  an 
act  of  incorporation  from  the  legislature.  The  business  was 
conducted  by  a  Board  of  Directors,  with  President,  Vice 
President,  Secretary,  and  Treasurer.  Everything  moved  on 
harmoniously,  lodges  were  incorporated  as  their  shares  were 
paid  up,  and  at  the  expiration  of  three  years  they  had  saved 
$1,000.  Another  and  more  valuable  piece  of  property  was 


46  PUBLIC   CAREER   OF    W.    H.    GIBSON,   SR. 

offered  for  sale  for  $10,000.  A  committee  was  empowered  to 
investigate,  a  lawyer  employed  to  examine  the  deed,  and  the 
property  purchased  at  $10,000,  with  ten  years  to  pay  it. 
This  property  was  paid  for  in  five  years.  The  purchasing 
of  property  with  the  Grand  United  Order  of  Odd  Fellows 
seemed  to  give  new  inspiration,  and  everything  that  they  put 
their  hands  to  seemed  to  prosper.  In  the  purchase  of  this 
new  hall  the  act  of  incorporation  was  amended,  W.  H.  Gib 
son  and  C.  H.  Spalding  being  appointed  a  committee  to  visit 
the  legislature  and  make  the  application,  and  all  the  lodges 
were  inserted  in  this  charter.  My  relation  as  secretary  of 
the  Consolidated  Lodges  closed  September,  1888,  serving  a 
period  of  eight  successive  years,  and  handling  for  them  over 
$20,000,  until  the  property  was  paid  for. 

With  this  rapid  and  grand  exhibit  followed  a  fearful 
calamity.  On  the  2yth  of  March,  1890,  the  great  cyclone 
that  visited  the  city  of  Louisville  demolished  our  splendid 
hall,  and  crippled  several  brethren  and  one  sister,  whose 
lives  were  miraculously  saved.  This  destruction  threw  gloom 
and  despondency  over  an  oppressed  people,  struggling  for  a 
foothold  in  the  financial  circles  of  the  fraternities.  But  the 
Consolidated  Board,  under  the  administration  of  W.  H. 
Ward,  an  old  and  experienced  Odd  Fellow,  it  is  hoped,  will 
succeed  in  paying  for  the  new  building  erected  on  the  old 
site,  and  that  the  glory  of  the  latter  house  may  be  greater 
than  that  of  the  former. 

THE    SCENES    OF    l86l    IN    LOUISVILLE,     KY. 

When  the  attack  on  Fort  Sumter  was  proclaimed  to  the 
nation,  and  when  Abraham  Lincoln,  President  of  the  United 
States,  called  to  arms !  to  arms !  three  hundred  thousand 
men  !  our  Governor,  Beriah  Magoffin,  replied  :  ''Not  a  man, 


PUBLIC   CAREER   OF   W.   H.   GIBSON,   SR.  47 

nor  a  dollar ! "  It  was  then  considered  by  either  party  of 
politicians  in  the  strife  that  it  was  a  white  man's  war,  and  that 
the  negro  was  only  considered  as  a  hewer  of  wood  and 
drawer  of  water  for  the  army.  Notwithstanding  this  view 
of  the  negro's  position,  many  of  them  were  eager  to  take 
part  in  the  fray.  They  bided  their  time,  and  the  sequel  is 
known  throughout  the  civilized  world. 

In  the  fall  of  1862,  we,  with  thousands  of  other  colored 
citizens,  were  drafted  in  the  spade  and  shovel  brigade,  throw 
ing  up  entrenchments  to  protect  Louisville  from  the  antici 
pated  attack  of  General  Bragg's  Army  on  the  city.  I  served 
for  a  time,  but  was  released  through  the  aid  of  my  physician. 
I  received  a  dispatch  from  Dr.  W.  R.  Revels  to  come  to  the 
city  of  Indianapolis,  Ind.,  and  take  charge  of  a  school.  I 
immediately  left  for  that  city  and  engaged  in  teaching  a 
school,  which  was  partly  supported  by  the  Quaker  Friends 
and  partly  by  private  subscriptions,  for  the  Hoosier  State 
had  not,  at  that  time,  provided  public  schools  for  colored 
children.  The  school  was  largely  composed  of  contraband 
children,  as  General  Butler  termed  them,  whose  parents 
followed  in  the  wake  of  the  army  and  crossed  the  Ohio 
River  into  Indiana. 

MASSACHUSETTS    CALLING    FOR    COLORED    SOLDIERS. 

At  the  solicitation  of  Dr.  Revels,  Sidney  S.  Hinton,  and 
other  friends,  I  closed  my  school  and  accepted  the  commis 
sion  of  recruiting  sergeant,  under  Col.  Condee,  for  the  55th 
Massachusetts  Colored  Regiment.  I  went  into  Kentucky  for 
volunteers  and  had  hundreds  of  applicants,  but,  through  the 
interference  of  the  officials  at  headquarters,  I  failed  t®  get  a 
man  enrolled  in  Louisville.  These  officials  were  so-called 
Union  men,  dressed  in  the  livery  of  Uncle  Sam,  but  oppos- 

ii 


48  PUBLIC  CAREER    OF    W.    H.   GIBSON,   SR. 

ing  such  aid  as  was  necessary  to  help  save  the  country. 
They  told  me  that  there  would  be  no  quarters  shown  negro 
soldiers  by  the  Rebels,  and  that  Massachusetts  had  no  right 
to  send  agents  into  Kentucky  for  recruits,  and  that  the  ne 
gro's  place  was  in  the  hospitals  as  nurses,  attending  the  sick 
and  wounded.  They  advised  me  to  leave  the  State,  for  the 
feeling  was  so  strong  against  us  that  they  could  not  protect 
us.  With  this  treatment,  I  left  my  wife  and  children,  re 
turned  to  Indiana,  visited  Jeffersonville,  New  Albany,  and 
Charleston,  succeeded  in  recruiting  and  enrolling  about  one 
hundred  men  for  the  55th  Massachusetts  Regiment,  gave 
them  transportation  to  Camp  Morton,  Indianapolis,  and  then 
resigned  my  commission,  as  Union  soldiers  at  that  stage  of 
the  war  refused  to  protect  us.  My  family  was  so  much  an 
noyed  by  threat,  caused  by  my  action,  that  I  authorized  my 
wife  to  sell  our  property  and  come  to  Indianapolis.  We 
moved  there  and  returned  at  the  close  of  the  war. 

During  our  stay  in  the  Hoosier  capital  we  made  many 
friends,  and  many  families  moved  there  from  Kentucky. 

Our  masonic  relation  was  very  pleasant  while  there.  We 
affiliated  with  the  craft,  and  was  present  at  the  organization 
of  the  Grand  Chapter  of  Indiana,  by  the  Most  Excellent 
Grand  High  Priest  Wm.  Darns,  of  Cincinnati,  and  Most  Ex 
cellent  John  G.  Britton,  Sidney  S.  Hinton,  Wm.  Waldon, 
and  others. 

Camp  Morton  contained  recruits  for  the  55th  Massachu 
setts  and  the  28th  Indiana  Colored  Volunteers,  with  Dr.  R. 
W.  Revels,  examining  sergeant.  The  boys  made  Indian 
apolis  lively  while  there  in  camp.  One  memorable  inci 
dent  connected  with  ourselves  and  the  boys  I  must  relate. 
The  young  musical  friends  of  Dr.  Revels'  church,  assisted 
by  Prof.  George  W.  Stewart,  now  of  Fort  Smith,  Ark., 
Barney  Hicks,  the  renowned  minstrel,  and  myself,  as  con- 


PUBLIC  CAREER    OF    W.    H.    GIBSON,   SR.  49 

ductor,  gave  a  concert.  It  may  be  remembered  that  du 
ring  the  war  times  it  was  dangerous  for  a  man  to  sympathize 
•with  the  Rebels  and  the  cause  of  the  South,  especially 
among  negro  soldiers.  Barney  Hicks,  in  a  discussion,  had 
espoused  the  cause  of  the  South.  The  soldier  boys  had 
heard  of  it  and  they  visited  the  concert  in  crowds.  When. 
Barney  appeared  on  the  stage,  they  made  a  rush  for  him, 
but  he  escaped  from  a  rear  window,  jumping  some  ten  feet 
to  the  ground.  A  soldier  with  a  dirk-knife  in  hand  was  after 
him.  He  was  so  enraged  at  missing  Hicks  that  he  threw  his 
dirk  upon  the  top  of  our  rented  piano  and  cut  a  large  piece 
out  of  it.  They  broke  up  the  concert,  and  we  were  in 
trouble  on  account  of  the  piano,  but  through  the  influence 
of  Dr.  Revels  we  were  saved  damages. 

CRUELTIES    OF    THE    HOME    GUARDS. 

The  treatment  of  colored  citizens  by  Home  Guards  was 
very  cruel  in  1861.  They  were  not  allowed  on  the  streets 
after  8  o'clock  without  a  pass,  and  many  were  flogged  for 
being  out.  This  treatment  became  unbearable,  especially 
when  it  was  performed  by  Union  soldiers.  The  writer  of 
this  sketch  was,  at  that  time,  a  correspondent  for  the 
•Christian  Recorder,  of  Philadelphia,  Rev.  Elisha  Weaver, 
•editor.  We  wrote  up  this  treatment  for  that  paper,  and  it 
was  published,  and  copies  sent  to  Hon.  Charles  Sumner,  who 
had  it  read  in  the  Senate,  and  it  created  considerable  ex 
citement  and  debate,  especially  among  the  Kentucky  repre 
sentatives.  It  had  ks  desired  effect,  and  there  was  no  more 
flogging  by  patrolling  Union  soldiers.  The  Congressional 
records  will  verify  this  statement.  An  amusing  incident  oc 
curred  along  with  this  raid  of  the  Home  Guards.  Grand 
Master  of  Masons,  Most  Worshipful  Henry  Spencer,  of  St. 


50  PUBLIC    CAREER   OF   W.    H.   GIBSON,   SR. 

Louis,  Mo.,  was  on  a  special  visit  to  this  city  and  the  craft, 
As  all  of  our  meetings  were  suspended  at  the  hall,  we  held 
a  private  meeting  at  the  writer's  house.  After  adjournment, 
as  the  brethren  entered  the  street,  this  military  patrol  came 
dashing  along;  the  brethren  spied  them,  and  it  was  really 
amusing  and  laughable  to  see  their  coat-tails  standing  out  in 
the  breeze,  while  they  made  for  the  alleys  and  hiding-places. 

OFF    TO    KANSAS. 

In  the  spring  of  1865  I  received  a  call  to  Kansas,  by  my 
esteemed  friend  and  brother,  Rev.  John  Turner.  I  located 
at  the  city  of  Leaven  worth,  was  employed  as  a  teacher  in 
the  public  schools  of  that  city,  but  partly  supported  by  the 
American  Missionary  Society,  and  remained  there  about 
fifteen  months.  The  Hon.  Judge  Brewer,  now  Judge  of  the 
United  States  Supreme  Court,  was  President  of  the  School 
Board.  Among  my  associate  teachers  were  Prof.  Charles 
Langton,  Mrs.  S.  Douglass,  wife  of  Capt.  Ford  Douglass, 
and  Mrs.  Margaret  Morris,  sister  of  Prof.  John  MitchelL 
My  stay  in  Kansas  was  a  very  pleasant  one,  and  I  formed 
the  acquaintance  of  many  excellent  families,  viz.  :  Thomas 
Newton,  Samuel  Jordan,  Hiram  Young,  Josephine  Mahoney,. 
Mr.  Nesbit,  Jones,  Quinns,  and  Franklins. 

VISIT    TO    FORT    LEAVENWORTH. 

The  noted  distinction  of  officer  of  the  day  was  conferred 
upon  Capt.  Ford  Douglass  and  Capt.  Mathews.  I  had  the 
pleasure  of  dining  with  these  officers  and  their  families. 
Their  menu  was  a  very  palatable  one,  such  as  was  provided 
for  white  officers.  The  scene  around  the  fort  is  a  picturesque 
one,  and  nature  seemed  to  have  provided  all  the  beauties  of 
the  floral  kingdom  for  its  adornment. 


PUBLIC  CAREER   OF   W.    H.    GIBSON,   SR.  51 

We  learned,  on  our  introduction  into  Kansas  society, 
that  they  were  not  unlike  the  various  communities  that  we 
had  visited.  They  had  their  piques  and  quarrels ;  my  first 
visit  to  a  public  meeting  convinced  me  of  this  fact.  A  diffi 
culty,  or  misunderstanding,  between  the  two  churches  was 
to  have  been  settled  at  this  meeting.  A  hall  was  rented  and 
a  large  number  attended.  The  discussion  began,  and,  as  the 
speakers  warmed  up,  bitter  words  and  epithets  were  used. 
Among  the  audience  was  the  distinguished  lady  orator,  Miss 
Susan  B.  Anthony.  She  took  the  floor  and  tried  to  quell 
the  disturbance  by  her  tender  and  persuasive  remarks,  but 
to  no  purpose;  the  parties  threatened  to  shoot;  pistols, 
swords,  and  chairs  were  drawn;  pandemonium  reigned. 
The  proprietor  put  out  the  lights  and  I  made  for  a  window, 
but  a  lady  held  me  back.  I  suppose  a  limb  was  saved  by 
her  effort.  We  all  got  out  safe  and  sound. 

The  meeting  of  interest  was  the  first  visit  of  the  Hon. 
J.  M.  Langston  to  Kansas.  I  had  the  honor  of  being  one 
of  the  committee  on  reception.  Mr.  Langston  was  royally 
received  by  the  citizens  of  Leavenworth.  A  hall  was  rented 
for  the  delivery  of  an  address.  The  subject  was  "  The  Re 
construction  Measures  of  President  Andrew  Johnson."  Mr. 
Langston  bitterly  Opposed  the  measures  in  his  speech. 
Friends  of  the  President  were  present,  who  defended  his 
views  of  reconstruction.  Quite  a  stormy  debate  ensued, 
though  Mr.  Langston  had  the  best  of  the  discussion.  I  con 
cluded  that  the  epithet,  "Fighting  Kansas,"  was  well  ap 
plied. 

I  received  a  commission  from  Hon.  Sidney  S.  Hintonr 
M.  W.  G.  M.  of  Masons  for  the  State  of  Indiana,  to  rein 
state  North  Star  Lodge,  of  Leavenworth,  and  set  them  to 
work  with  Capt.  Wm.  Mathews,  W.  M.  This  completed, 
my  mission  was  ended. 


52  PUBLIC    CAREER   OF   W.    H.    GIBSON,   SR. 

I  left  Kansas  with  the  intention  of  returning,  as  I  had 
been  selected  to  teach  another  term,  but  on  visiting  my 
"Old  Kentucky  Home"  friends  surrounded  me  and  pre 
vailed  on  me  to  settle  down  in  the  old  State  where  I  had 
labored  in  the  dark  days  of  slavery,  and  now,  as  it  was  a 
free  State,  I  should  enjoy  its  blessings.  After  considering 
the  matter  from  a  business  and  financial  standpoint,  I  con 
cluded  to  remain.  I  sent  in  my  resignation  to  the  President 
of  the  School  Board,  Hon.  Judge  Brewer.  It  was  accepted 
with  a  regret  and  wishes  that  my  future  might  be  successful. 

BACK    TO    LOUISVILLE. 

We  pulled  up  stakes  at  Indianapolis,  moved  back  to 
Louisville,  bought  property,  and  began  business  under  very 
favorable  circumstances. 

We  had  no  public  schools  for  colored  children  in  1866. 
The  schools  were  supported  by  private  funds  of  the  patrons. 

The  Fraedmen's  Bureau  schools  and  the  (Ely)  American 
Missionary  School  employed  teachers  and  educated  the  col 
ored  children  until  the  State,  by  legislative  acts,  provided 
for  the  education  of  colored  children  in  separate  schools. 

Gen.  Ben.  Runkle,  of  the  United  States  Army,  established 
bureau  schools  in  the  colored  churches.  They  were  largely 
attended  by  day  and  night.  Private  schools  were  assisted 
from  the  bureau  fund.  Jackson-street  M.  E.  Church  School 
was  taught  by  Mr.  Henry  Merriwether  and  Mrs.  Julia  Au 
thor;  Center-street  M.  E.  Church  School  by  Rev.  Wm. 
Butler;  Quinn  Chapel  School  by  W.  H.  Gibson.  The  Amer 
ican  Missionary  Society  erected  a  building  on  the  corner  of 
Broadway  and  Fourteenth  Street.  This  school  was  con 
ducted  by  a  corps  of  white  teachers  from  that  society. 


PUBLIC    CAREER    OF   W.    H.    GIBSON,   SR.  53 


UNITED    STATES    CIRCUIT    COURT. 

The  system  of  advancing  fifty  dollars  in  order  that  a  case 
might  be  heard  in  said  court  was  a  custom  soon  after  the 
war.  Many  of  our  people  from  the  mountains  and  interior 
part  of  the  State  were  compelled  to  come  to  Louisville  in 
order  to  have  their  cases  litigated,  there  being  no  United 
States  Circuit  Court  in  their  districts.  The  Ku-klux  clans 
were  murdering  them  and  pillaging  their  property,  and  no 
redress  could  be  obtained,  as  this  large  fee  demanded  made 
it  impossible  for  them  to  have  a  hearing,  for  they  were  too 
poor  to  raise  that  amount.  The  citizens  of  Louisville  called 
public  meetings  in  Quinn  Chapel  and  the  Green-street  Bap 
tist  Church.  Committees  were  appointed  to  wait  on  Judge 
Ballard  and  the  United  States  Attorney  to  protest  against 
the  rule  of  the  court  as  oppressive  to  this  people.  They 
were  courteously  received  and  the  matter  presented.  After 
a  fair  and  legal  explanation  by  the  court  the  matter  was  so 
adjusted  as  to  give  all  litigants  a  hearing,  the  court  being  sat 
isfied  that  the  case  demanded  it. 

APPOINTED    MAIL   AGENT  OF  THE    KNOXVILLE   BRANCH    L.   A  N. 
R.    R.,   BETWEEN    LOUISVILLE    AND    MOUNT  VERNON,    KY. 

I  was  appointed  mail  agent  under  President  Grant's  ad 
ministration,  and  served  for  eight  months  under  very  trying 
circumstances.  The  first  and  second  day's  trip  was  attended 
with  great  excitement.  As  the  first  negro  mail  agent  in  the 
State,  I  was  equal  to  Barnum's  animal  show,  for  the  people  at 
every  station  gathered  by  hundreds,  and  climbed  upon  the 
cars  to  get  a  view  of  the  black  animal  who  dared  to  invade 
their  territory. 

At  the  end  of  the   route,  Mount  Vernon,    the   people 


54  PUBLIC  CAREER  OF    W.   H.   GIBSON,   SR. 

turned  out  to  hang  me.  They  followed  me  to  the  post- 
office  and  waited  for  me  to  enter  the  hotel  across  the  way  for 
lodgings,  but  I  had  made  other  arrangements  and  disap 
pointed  them. 

The  arrangement  of  the  mob — for  mob  it  was — that  if  I 
attempte'd  to  enter  the  hotel  the  hanging  would  commence, 
and  it  would  have  been  accomplished  with  dispatch. 

I  engaged  board  with  a  colored  farmer,  Walker  New- 
comb.  He  was  an  industrious  and  brave  man,  a  blacksmith 
by  trade,  and  a  partner  with  his  former  master.  The  mob 
promised  that  if  I  remained  with  my  own  people  I  would  not 
be  disturbed ;  but  they  did  not  keep  their  promise,  for  they 
annoyed  me  with  notes,  giving  me  so  many  days  to  leave  the 
road,  or  make  my  peace  with  God,  signed  K.  K.  K. 

At  the  expiration  of  eight  months  I  was  transferred  to  the 
Louisville  and  Lexington  route.  The  second  day  out  we 
were  attacked  by  three  of  the  clan,  at  a  lonely  station,  North 
Benson,  between  Frankfort  and  Lexington,  a  chosen  day  for 
the  murderous  purpose — snowing,  raining,  and  hailing — the 
worst  day  of  the  year. 

At  the  station,  one  jumped  aboard  of  the  mail  coach  and 
endeavored  to  throw  me  out,  beating  and  bruising  me  con 
siderably,  but  failed  in  his  attempt.  His. two  pals  were 
waiting  on  the  platform,  with  drawn  pistols,  to  shoot  me  as 
I  fell  out,  as  they  expected;  but  as  God  would  have  it,  they 
missed  their  aim,  and  I  was  saved.  With  three  coaches  of 
passengers,  conductor,  and  train  hands,  no  one  came  to  my 
relief,  and  it  was  only  the  mercy  of  God  that  saved  me.  They 
riddled  the  car  with  bullets,  but  missed  me. 

The  authorities  at  Washington  were  notified  of  the  attack 
on  the  United  States  Mail  Agent,  and  a  squad  of  United 
States  soldiers  were  dispatched  from  the  fort  to  accompany 


PUBLIC   CAREER   OF    W.    H.   GIBSON,   SR.  55 

me,  and  for  three  months  I  was  escorted  by  the  blue  coats 
of  Uncle  Sam  while  I  performed  my  duties.  Many  threats 
were  made,  and  great  excitement  existed  during  my  stay  on 
this  route.  On  several  occasions  I  feared  a  collision  between 
the  military  and  the  mob  that  gathered  at  the  stations,  for 
twitting  the  soldiers  for  protecting  a  negro.  I  was  convinced 
that  under  the  pressure  some  one  would  be  killed,  and  also 
the  strain  upon  the  nerves  of  my  wife  and  children  reasoned 
with  me  that  the  sacrifice  was  greater  than  the  occasion 
called  for.  The  soldiers  were  withdrawn  from  the  train. 
Promises  were  made  by  the  leading  authorities  of  the  State 
to  provide  protection,  but  I  proposed  to  retire  from  the  situ 
ation  when  the  soldiers  retired,  for  I  had  but  little  confidence 
in  those  promises,  so  I  resigned. 

FREEDMEN'S  BANK. 

In  1865  the  Freedmen's  Bank  was  established  in  Louis 
ville,  with  a  mixed  board  of  directors,  and  a  white  cashier. 
I  often  assisted  Cashier  Burkholder  when  busy  or  absent 
from  the  city.  I  had  charge  of  the  bank  when  he  met  with 
his  sad  fate,  of  being  drowned  or  burned  up  on  the  ill-fated 
steamer,  United  States,  plying  between  Louisville  and  Cin 
cinnati,  when  she  collided  with  the  steamer  America.  He 
had  been  on  a  trip  to  Ohio  to  see  his  family,  but  never  re 
turned  to  the  bank.  I  remained  in  charge  until  the  board 
met  and  selected  a  cashier,  Mr.  Horace  Morris.  I  was  his 
assistant  when  the  bank  closed. 

THE    MOZART    SOCIETY. 

The  first  colored  musical  society  of  Louisville  was  organized 
in  the  school-room  of  the  writer,  Dec.  1852.  The  Fourth-street 
Methodist  Church  Choir  had  given  a  series  of  concerts,  con- 


56  PUBLIC   CAREER   OF   W.   H.   GIBSON,   SR. 

ducted  by  W.  H.  Gibson,  assisted  by  Prof.  Henry  Williams, 
Samuel  White,  and  several  German  performers  (instru 
mental).  They  concluded  to  organize  a  musical  society  for 
their  further  improvement.  A  meeting  was  called  and  the 
organization  completed.  Among  those  of  the  organization 
were  Messrs.  George  Thomas,  Jesse  Davis,  Peter  Hayes, 
Benjamin  Eubanks,  John  Jordan,  John  Collins,  Dan  Clem- 
mons,  Geo.  A.  Schaefer,  R.  M.  Johnson,  J.  Tevis,  D.  Ed- 
dington;  Mesdames  Jane  Christopher,  Letha  Ellison,  Lu- 
cinda  Snead,  George  Thomas,  Julia  Bullitt  Author,  Belle 
Adams,  Miss  Thomas,  and  others.  This  society  made  rapid 
improvement  in  music.  At  times  they  gave  concerts  for 
benevolent  purposes,  and  also  improved  the  musical  taste  in 
several  of  our  churches.  But  few  of  this  organization  are 
now  living,  but  the  spirit  and  love  of  music  then  manifested 
has  been  inherited  by  their  children. 

The  first  musical  instrument  introduced  into  a  colored 
church  in  this  city  was  in  1847  by  the  writer.  The  singing 
was  led  by  a  violin.  The  old  sisters  and  brothers  declared 
that  the  officers  had  admitted  the  devil  into  the  church,  but 
they  became  used  to  it  and  seemed  to  admire  the  change. 
At  this  writing  there  are  but  few  churches  that  have  not  pipe 
organs  and  splendid  choirs. 

The  writer  was  attacked  through  the  columns  of  our 
church  magazine  in  the  year  1854  by  the  Rev.  Thomas 
Strother  for  this  trespass  upon  the  dignity  and  solemnity  of 
the  church.  Several  articles  were  written,  pro  and  con., 
but  the  progressive  age  of  music  triumphed  amid  the  pious 
opposition  that  then  assailed  it.  Upon  the  introduction  of 
the  first  organ  in  Quinn  Chapel  the  sisters  threatened  to 
throw  it  into  the  street,  so  we  abandoned  the  instrument  for 
awhile. 


PUBLIC   CAREER   OF   W.    H.    GIBSON,   SR.  57 

FIRST    MUSICAL    FESTIVAL. 

The  first  musical  festival  of  the  Colored  Musical  Associa 
tion  of  Louisville,  Ky.,  was  held  in  May,  1880.  W.  H. 
Gibson,  Sr. ,  President;  N.  R.  Harper,  Musical  Director. 
The  association  was  composed  of  about  two  hundred  sing 
ers  from  the  various  church  choirs  and  public  schools,  sup 
ported  by  an  orchestra  from  Detroit,  Mich.,  led  by  Prof. 
Johnson.  They  gave  ample  satisfaction  in  the  support  of 
the  choruses  and  solo  accompaniments,  as  they  were  profes 
sional  musicians.  Miss  Eliza  Cowan,  of  Chicago,  111.,  the 
leading  soprano,  came  highly  recommended  as  a  vocalist. 
She  sustained  her  reputation  as  such,  and  left  us  with  the 
highest  honors.  Mrs.  Mary  V.  Smith  and  Mrs.  C.  M.  Bry 
ant,  organists,  were  excellent.  Prof.  N.  R.  Harper  proved 
an  efficient  leader  in  chorus  singing.  This  first  attempt  of  a 
grand  musical  festival  proved  a  financial  success,  and  from  a 
musical  standard  the  community  expressed  the  highest 
eulogies. 

SECOND    MUSICAL    FESTIVAL. 

The  Musical  Association  of  Louisville,  Ky.,  held  their 
second  song  festival  May  19  and  20,  1881,  at  Library  Hall. 
W.  H.  Gibson,  Sr.,  President;  N.  R.  Harper,  Musical 
Director.  It  was  the  desire  of  the  president  and  the  asso 
ciation  to  make  this  the  grandest  festival  yet  given,  and  in 
order  to  do  so  he  made  several  visits  to  Cincinnati,  O.,  for 
the  purpose  of  securing  the  assistance  of  the  Cincinnati 
Choral  Association,  then  in  practice,  and  which  had,  among 
its  members,  some  celebrities  of  a  very  high  musical  culture. 
The  arrangement  was  completed,  as  the  following  letter  will 
show: 


58  PUBLIC    CAREER    OF    W.    H.   GIBSON,   SR. 

CINCINNATI,  O.,  March  12,  1881. 
Mr.   W.  H.  Gibson : 

DEAR  SIR — Your  letter  of  the  6th  duly  received,  and  con 
tents  read  before  the  members  of  the  society.  I  am  author 
ized  to  say  that  we  most  cheerfully  accept  the  invitation  to 
participate  in  the  festival,  and  hope  it  may  be  generally  un 
derstood  from  this  letter  between  all  parties  that  we  will  be 
present  with  a  good  delegation  from  this  city,  together  with 
their  many  friends. 

I  am,  on  behalf  of  the  Q.  C.  C.  S.,  yours, 

THOMAS  A.  TRIPLETT, 
Chairman  Executive  Committee. 

The  reputation  of  Miss  A.  L.  Tilghman,  of  Washington, 
D.  C.,  as  a  leading  soprano  at  the  Capital  City,  induced 
the  association  to  secure  her  services  for  this  occasion.  Her 
selections  were  of  the  highest  order,  such  as  "Aria — The 
Flower  Girl,"  by  Borzinini;  Millard's  "  Inflammatus,"  solo, 
and  several  duets.  Her  rendition  was  all  that  lovers  of  music 
could  desire.  She  was  recalled  by  the  audience  after  each 
number. 

The  principal  artists  of  the  Louisville  Association  were  as 
follows:  Mrs.  M.  L.  Mead,  Miss  Jennie  Wise,  Miss  V.  M. 
Burkes,  Mrs.  M.  V.  Smith,  Miss  S.  G.  Waters,  Miss  M. 
Henry,  Miss  M.  Robinson,  Mrs.  C.  M.  Bryant,  Mrs.  Belle 
Worley,  Anna  and  Sue  Talbot,  Belle  Adams,  Miss  Lou 
Thompson,  of  New  Albany,  Ind.  ;  the  Gibson  family — W. 
H.  Gibson,  Sr.,  W.  H.  Gibson,  Jr.,  of  St.  Louis,  Mo.  ;  Miss 
Isabella,  M.  Jane,  and  Lucretia  Gibson;  Frank  Thomas  Glee 
Club— Messrs.  Frank  Thomas,  J.  Miller,  P.  A.  Thomas,  J. 
O.  Banion,  N.  P.  Grant,  and  John  Reynold.  Prof.  J.  R. 
Cunningham's  celebrated  orchestra  furnished  string  and  brass 
instrumental  music. 


MRS.  DURETTA  MOORE, 

Dayton,  O. 


MRS.  A.  F.  MADISON, 

Cairo,  111. 
N.  V.  P. 


PUBLIC   CAREER    OF   W.    H.    GIBSON,   SR.  59 

The  following  were  the  officers  of  the  Festival  Executive 
Committee:  J.  W.  Dorsey,  J.  N.  Caldwell,  T.  N.  Bailey,  H. 
C.  Weeden,  G.  T.  Thomas,  W.  H.  Lawson,  B.  J.  Nichols, 
S.  Hayes,  W.  Adams,  and  N.  N.  Newman. 

The  Choral  Association,  of  Cincinnati,  O.,  presented  the 
cantata,  "  Esther,  the  Beautiful  Queen,"  with  the  following 
staff  of  officers :  Musical  Director,  Mr.  P.  L.  Furgurson ; 
Assistant  Musical  Director,  Mr.  J.  M.  Lewis;  Pianist,  Mrs. 
A.  E.  Baltimore;  Organist,  Mr.  F.  C.  Lewis;  Assistant 
Organist,  Mr.  Al.  Quarles;  Costumer,  Mrs.  Julia  A.  Rice; 
Stage  Manager,  Mr.  T.  J.  Monroe. 

Cast  of  Characters. 

Queen  Esther Miss  Ella  Buckner. 

King  Ahasuerus Mr.  P.  L.  Furgurson. 

Mordecai   Mr.  J.  M.  Lewis. 

First  Maid  of  Honor Miss  Cora  Watson. 

With  a  retinue  of  attendants. 

The  following  selections  were  introduced  during  the  ban 
quet  scenes  of  the  cantata:  Bass  solo,  "  Down  in  the  Cel 
lar's  Depths,"  Mr.  T.  Small;  solo,  "  Mandolita,"  Miss  M. 
Fowler;  bass  solo,  "The  Toast,"  W.  J.  Ross;  solo,  "Softly, 
Softly,"  Miss  Hattie  Holmes;  quintette,  "  Father,  Guide 
Us,"  from  Belshazzar,  Misses  Barrett  and  Fowler,  Messrs. 
C.  Henson,  Small,  and  Quarles;  "Miserere,"  from  Trova- 
tore,  Miss  Cora  L.  Watson  and  Mr.  T.  J.  Monroe,  assisted 
by  Miss  Hattie  Harper,  Mrs.  M.  Williams,  and  Messrs.  L. 
M.  Lewis,  Thornton,  Small,  and  Quarles.  The  artists  ex 
celled  themselves  in  the  performance  of  this  sacred  cantata. 
Their  costumes  were  tastefully  selected,  and  their  songs  and 
performances  in  the  various  roles  were  such  as  to  attract  the 
admiration  of  the  most  technique  of  the  theatrical  assemblies. 


'6o  PUBLIC    CAREER   OF   W.   H.   GIBSON,  SR. 

This  rare  treat,  brought  forth  by  the  combined  efforts  of  the 
musical  lovers  of  Louisville,  Cincinnati,  Washington,  D.  C., 
and  New  Albany,  has  been  far-reaching  in  the  development 
of  this  fine  art  in  our  community. 

CHURCH    CHOIRS. 

Fifth-street  Baptist  Choir — The  concerts  and  musical  en 
tertainments  given  by  this  choir  have  always  been  of  the 
highest  order.  We  take  great  pleasure  in  making  special 
mention  of  this  association  as  conducted  by  the  late  Madi 
son  Minnis,  with  Miss  Martha  Morton  as  organist,  also  de 
ceased,  supported  by  Mesdames  M.  L.  Mead,  Hutchinson 
and  sister,  and  Messrs.  W.  H.  Stewart  (successor  to  Mr. 
Minnis),  Samuel  Jordan,  J.  L.  Moody,  Will.  L.  Gibson,  and 
others.  During  Mr.  Minnis'  charge  of  this  choir  they  made 
a  tour  to  Cincinnati,  O.,  and  Cleveland,  O.  The  trip  was  a 
pleasant  one.  and  the  members  were  the  recipients  of  many 
eulogies  for  their  musical  performances. 

Green-street  Baptist  Choir — This  choir  ranks  among  the 
leading  musical  associations,  with  our  old  friend,  George 
Thomas,  conductor  (successor  to  Mr.  Jesse  Davis).  They 
have  a  fine  and  powerful  organ,  with  Mrs.  Gertie  Hutchin- 
.son,  the  organist,  who  skillfully  manipulates  the  finger-board. 
The  visitors  to  that  church  can  sit  and  muse  upon  the  joyful 
strains  of  these  earthly  choristers. 

Jacob-street  Tabernacle  Choir — This  choir  ranks  among  the 
leading  musical  associations  of  the  country. 

MADAME    SELEKA    AND    S.   W.   WILLIAMS. 

Madame  Seleka,  queen  of  staccato,  and  S.  W.  Williams, 
baritone,  made  their  debut  to  a  Louisville  audience  June, 
1888.  The  writer,  having  been  concerned  in  most  all  of  the 


PUBLIC   CAREER   OF    W.   H.   GIBSON,   SR.  6 1 

musical  enterprises  of  this  city,  and  being  the  leader  of 
Quinn  Chapel  Choir  for  more  than  thirty-five  years,  and 
being  about  to  retire,  felt  anxious  that  the  church  of  his 
long  and  arduous  labors  should  have  an  organ  second  to 
none  among  our  congregations.  His  wishes  were  made 
known  to  the  board  and  granted,  under  the  administration 
of  Rev.  Levi  Evans.  A  committee,  composed  of  Prof.  W. 
H.  Perry,  George  Caldwell,  and  Miss  Martha  Webster, 
visited  Pilcher  &  Sons'  organ  manufactory  and  selected  an 
instrument  to  cost  eight  hundred  dollars,  with  the  latest  im 
provements.  A  concert  was  decided  upon.  The  leader 
opened  correspondence  with  Madame  Seleka  and  husband, 
who  had  recently  returned  from  Europe,  and  were  elec 
trifying  the  country  with  their  artistical  performances.  We 
learned  their  terms,  an  agreement  was  entered  into,  and 
a  concert  arranged  for  Louisville  for  the  benefit  of  the  organ. 
They  arrived,  and  were  our  guests. 

The  largest  hall  in  the  city  was  rented  for  the  concert, 
the  citizens  turned  out  en  masse,  and  it  was  conceded  to  be 
the  grandest  concert  ever  given  in  our  city,  both  in  numbers 
and  artistic  skill.  The  lady  was  the  finest  and  most  accom 
plished  that  we  had  ever  heard  in  this  community.  Mr.  Wil 
liams'  baritone  was  complete,  and  as  a  soloist  his  style  and 
enunciations  were  pure. 

A  second  concert  was  given  at  the  church,  and  it  was 
•crowded  also.  Our  local  talent  assisted,  and  gave  prestige 
to  the  occasion.  Mrs.  M.  L.  Mead,  Mrs.  M.  V.  Smith, 
Miss  Lottie  Bryant,  Mrs.  Gertie  Hutchinson,  accompanist, 
and  W.  H.  Gibson,  conductor.  Financially  the  concert  was 
a  success,  the  receipts  half  paid  for  the  organ,  and  the  bal_ 
ance  was  raised  by  the  Ladies'  Organ  Association,  Mrs.  Nel 
lie  Bibb,  President;  Mrs.  Virginia  Thompson,  Treasurer; 
Miss  Laura  Douglass,  Secretary,  and  Rev.  J.  Abbey,  Pastor. 


62  PUBLIC   CAREER   OF    W.    H.   GIBSON,   SR. 

THE    FIFTEENTH    AMENDMENT. 

After  the  passage  of  the  fifteenth  amendment  to  the  Con 
stitution  by  Congress  it  was  in  order  for  colored  citizens  of 
Louisville  to  have  a  jubilee  celebration.  Mass-meetings 
were  called  at  several  of  the  churches  to  make  arrangements, 
and  committees  appointed.  Rev.  H.  J.  Young  was  the 
chosen  orator  of  the  day,  with  Miss  Laura  Claget  as  the  God 
dess  of  Liberty.  The  procession  was  an  immense  throng  of  col 
ored  citizens,  with  excursion  parties  from  surrounding  cities, 
accompanied  with  bands  of  music  and  banners,  with  many 
designs  representing  freedom  and  progression  versus  the 
condition  of  slavery  days.  A  Fifteenth  Amendment  song  was 
composed  by  W.  H.  Gibson,  and  sung  at  the  Court  Square, 
where,  for  the  first  time,  a  stand  was  erected.  Ten  thous 
and  people  were  gathered  to  hear  speeches  and  music.  We 
had  seen,  on  past  occasions,  on  the  same  square,  some  horri 
ble  scenes,  slaves  sold  on  the  court-house  steps,  negroes 
hung  and  burned,  also  the  forms  of  ghastly  Irishmen  burned 
by  the  Know-nothing  mobs  on  Bloody  Monday,  but  the  con 
trast  of  that  day's  thrilling  jubilee — the  completion  of  Amer 
ican  citizenship  for  the  negro — seemed  a  fitting  retribution 
for  the  past  horrors  perpetrated  and  inflicted  by  the  inhuman 
monster — slavery. 

The  following  is  the  song  composed  by  W.  H.  Gibson, 
Sr. ,  which  was  sung  by  five  thousand  voices  on  the  day  of 
the  celebration : 

Come  all  ye  Republicans,  faithful  and  true, 

Here  is  a  work  for  you : 
The  Fifteenth  Amendment  has  fought  its  way  through 

True  as  the  boys  in  blue. 
The  Democrat  party  its  race  has  run, 

To  give  way  for  an  era  that  freedom  has  won. 
Bring  out  your  gun  !  Bring  out  your  gun  ! 

Bring  them,  ye  brave  and  true. 


PUBLIC   CAREER   OF    W.    H.    GIBSON,   SR.  63 

Colored  citizens,  prepare  ye;  your  manhood's  complete, 

God  grant  that  "  we  all  may  have  peace." 
The  ballot-box  is  open  to  all  of  our  race, 

Put  in  your  snowy  flakes; 
For  the  Republican  party  will  vote  in  a  mass, 

For  they  have  guarded  well  "  Thermopylae's  Pass." 
Vote  for  them  long,  vote  for  them  strong, 

Vote  for  the  brave  and  true. 

Songs  of  exultation  we  gladly  will  sing 

For  the  twenty-eight  States  so  true  ; 
For  the  Fifteenth  Amendment 's  a  mighty  big  thing, 

The  Democrats  know  it  is  true. 
Kentucky  neutrality,  we  can  not  define  it, 

The  Fifteenth  Amendment  has  opened  a  mine  in  it 
And  blown  it  sky  high  !  and  blown  it  sky  high! 

Sing  it  ye  brave  and  true. 

My  Maryland,  Delaware,  New  Jersey,  each  of  them 

Opposed  its  ratification  ; 
California,  Oregon,  Tennessee  with  them, 

Kentucky  makes  up  the  seven. 
But  the  twenty-eight  States,  yes,  thirty  of  them, 

Have  put  to  rest  the  unjust  seven. 
So  let  them  writhe  !   Let  them  writhe  ! 

Writhe  in  their  agony. 

The  ratification  has  made  the  great  Nation 

More  honored,  more  just  and  good  ; 
The  lowly  will  praise  her,  the  great  God  will  bless  her, 

Her  enemies  stand  in  awe  ; 
And  if  the  old  flag  is  e'er  torn  from  the  mast, 

Up  defenders  will  rise  as  they  have  in  the  past, 
And  fly  to  their  arms  !  Fly  to  their  arms  ! 

To  save  the  dear  old  flag. 

Our  country's  flag  we  do  revere, 

For  we  love  the  Constitution ; 
The  Declaration  doth  declare, 

All  men  are  born  free  and  equal. 
The  Fifteenth  Amendment  hath  abolished  caste, 

Servitude,  color,  are  buried  at  last, 
Never  to  rise  !  Never  to  rise  ! 

Under  the  Constitution. 


I  2 


64  PUBLIC   CAREER   OF    W.    H.    GIBSON,   SR. 


HON.    FRED.    DOUGLASS    VISITS    LOUISVILLE. 

The  Independent  Sons  of  Honor  being  desirous  of  having 
Mr.  Douglass  address  the  colored  citizens  of  Louisville  solic 
ited  the  writer  to  correspond  with  him  and  make  such  ar 
rangements  as  would  suit  him.  I  opened  correspondence, 
and,  after  several  letters  had  passed,  the  invitation  was 
accepted  on  terms  suitable  to  him.  The  following  is  his  let 
ter  of  acceptance  : 

WASHINGTON,  D.  C.,  April  2,  1873. 
Wm.  H.  Gibson,  Esq. — 

MY  DEAR  SIR — Your  letter  accepting  my  terms  is  at  hand. 
I  will  endeavor  to  be  in  Louisville  on  the  2oth  inst.,  and  will 
be  ready  to  unite  with  your  celebration  on  the  2ist  of  April. 
Please  inform  me,  without  delay,  the  name  and  address  to 
which  you  will  expect  me  to  report  on  the  2oth.  Hoping 
for  a  successful  celebration  of  one  of  the  grandest  facts  in 
the  history  of  our  country.  I  am,  dear  sir, 

Very  truly  yours, 

FRED.   DOUGLASS. 

A  committee  composed  of  George  Buckner,  James  Graves, 
Vincent  Helm,  W.  H.  Gibson,  Isaac  Curtis,  and  others, 
received  Mr.  Douglass  at  the  depot  with  carriages  and  a 
band  of  music.  He  was  escorted  to  the  residence  of  Mrs. 
Lucretia  Morris,  on  Seventh  Street.  There  he  received  the 
courtesies  of  the  citizens  of  Louisville,  colored  and  white. 
The  Hon.  Judge  J.  M.  Harlan  tendered  him  his  private  car 
riage  and  horses  for  his  visit  through  the  city.  A  proces 
sion  was  formed  of  societies  and  citizens,  and  they  marched 
to  the  Exposition,  where  an  immense  throng  of  people  filled 
the  building.  Mr.  Douglass  made  a  fine  address,  such  as  he 
was  capable  of  making,  and  it  was  published  in  our  daily 


PUBLIC    CAREER    OF    W.    H.    GIBSON,   SR.  65 

papers.  He  remarked  that  "  the  building  was  so  large  and 
fhe  tumult  so  great  that  it  was  as  the  roaring  of  Niagara." 
His  voice  was  inadequate  to  fill  the  building. 

NEWSPAPER    ENTERPRISES. 

The  Kentuckian  was  issued  in  the  seventies,  Mr.  Horace 
Morris  being  its  editor.  It  was  published  for  several  months. 

The  Planet  was  published  by  the  Planet  Printing  Co. 

Zion's  Banner  was  published  in  1881,  with  H.  C.  Weedon 
as  its  editor. 

Christian  Index. 

The  Bulletin  was  published  by  the  Adams  Brothers,  John 
and  Cyrus.  This  paper  was  very  ably  edited  and  received  a 
large  subscription.  It  was  a  paper  that  advocated  the  cause 
of  the  negro  and  the  principles  of  Republicanism.  The  pro 
prietors  moved  to  Chicago  and  the  paper  is  yet  in  existence, 
the  name  having  been  changed.  An  incident  in  relation  to 
Cyrus  Adams  and  the  study  of  the  German  language  occurred 
here  during  his  study  under  a  German  teacher.  A  large 
class  of  students  attended,  who  were  members  of  the  first 
families  of  the  city.  The  teacher  said  that  his  progress  was 
rapid,  and  he  attracted  attention  by  the  excellence  of  his 
recitations.  The  teacher  also  said  that  he  was  much  aston 
ished  one  day  about  the  close  of  the  term  when  he  informed 
him  that  he  was  a  newspaper  man  and  one  of  the  editors  of 
The  Bulletin.  So  the  term  was  closed,  and  of  all  the  pupils 
attending  none  of  them  knew  that  Adams  was  a  colored  man 
except  the  teacher,  who  found  it  out  by  mere  accident.  Had 
it  been  otherwise,  the  white  pupils  would  have  been  horrified 
at  the  idea  of  a  colored  student  belonging  to  the  class.  Mr. 
Adams  made  a  trip  to  Europe,  studied  there,  and  returned 
and  taught  here  in  our  High  School. 


66  PUBLIC   CAREER    OF    W.    H.    GIBSON,    SR. 

The  Ohio  Falls  Express,  edited  by  Dr.  H.  Fitzbutler,  is 
one  of  the  oldest  colored  papers  in  the  State.  It  has  been 
suspended  during  the  Doctor's  absence  in  Europe. 

The  American  Baptist,  W.  H.  Stewart,  editor,  represents 
the  interests  of  the  Baptist  denomination,  and  is  very  ably 
edited.  It  is  in  its  sixteenth  year.  Mr.  Stewart  is  also  a 
politician,  and  is  always  found  in  the  advance  of  all  questions 
pertaining  to  our  race. 

The  Informer,  published  by  H.  H.  Hatcher,  is  a  spicy 
little  sheet. 

SUNDAY-SCHOOL    PICNICS    IN    ANTE-BELLUM    DAYS. 

Our  Sunday-school  picnics  were  held  on  the  Fourth  of 
July,  as  it  was  a  National  holiday.  The  slave,  as  well  as  his 
master,  had  the  privileges  of  that  day.  We  would  assemble 
our  children  at  the  churches  and  march  to  the  grove,  but 
not  without  one  or  two  policemen,  at  two  dollars  a  day,  to 
see  that  we  behaved  ourselves  and  that  no  incendiary 
speeches  were  made.  At  the  last  picnic  we  held  before  the 
war  I  took  an  active  part,  as  usual,  when  I  arrived  at  the 
grove.  The  speakers  were  our  ministers,  teachers,  and  our 
old  friend,  W.  H.  Bulkley,  Presbyterian  (white),  but  at  this 
time  we  had  a  speaker  that  was  not  on  the  programme — a 
brother  who  was  a  slave,  belonging  to  a  widow  near  Hobb's 
Station,  but  was  hired  out  in  Louisville  as  a  carpenter.  He 
was  a  member  of  my  Sunday-school  and  desired  to  speak. 
The  brethren  objected,  and  feared  that  he  might  say  some 
thing  that  would  harm  us,  as  the  officers  were  there,  also  a 
number  of  white  spectators,  but  I  insisted  for  them  to  give 
him  a  chance.  When  his  time  came  we  gave  strict  atten 
tion.  He  began  by  saying  : 


PUBLIC   CAREER   OF   W.    H.    GIBSON,   SR.  67 

LITTLE  CHILLEN  : 

We  hab  'sembled  to  celebrate  the  Fourth  ob  July — Inde 
pendence  Day  it  is  called — but  I  never  could  larn  whar  de 
independence  comes  in.  We  are  here  'sembled  in  dis  grove 
to  yourselves,  cept  dese  paderrols,  who  is  here  to  watch  us. 
Now,  whar  is  yo  independence  ?  Little  childens,  dis  is  not 
yo  day,  but  you  will  hab  a  day,  for  de  prophets  say  so,  de  pos- 
sels  say  so,  and  God  say  so.  You  read  yo  Bible  and  it  tells 
you  dat  God  made  all  men  free  and  ecal,  and  he  made  dem  all 
ob  de  same  blood,  only  one  white  in  de  face,  anodder  black 
in  de  face,  and  anodder  red  in  de  face,  but  dey  were  all 
bredden  and  ecal ;  but  man,  being  so  wise,  hab  changed  it, 
and  to-day  we  are  not  ecal,  but  de  day  is  comin'  when  you  will 
be  as  free  and  ecal  as  Gineral  Washington.  Den  you  will 
hab  a  day  !  But  dis  is  not  yo  day,  little  chillen,  but  you  will 
hab  a  day.  God  haste  it  on  is  my  prayer.  Amen. 

This  was  the  speech  of  the  day,  and  created  more  com 
ment  than  all  the  other  speeches  that  were  made.  Several 
of  the  teachers  hid  behind  the  large  trees,  peeping  out  to  see 
what  the  white  police  would  do — if  they  would  stop  him ;  but 
they  seemed  to  enjoy  it.  We  met  the  same  brother,  during 
the  war,  in  Indianapolis.  He  went  over  with  the  first  lot  of 
fugitives  that  crossed  the  river  in  the  wake  of  the  army. 
We  met  him  several  years  later  and  he  had,  by  his  industry, 
acquired  some  property  and  a  comfortable  home. 

The  colored  citizens  of  Louisville  had  no  gala  day  to  cel 
ebrate  save  the  ist  of  August — in  commemoration  of  the 
West  Indies  Emancipation  of  1834 — and  in  order  to  enjoy 
this  pleasure  they  were  compelled  to  seek  other  States  whose 
sympathy  was  in  touch  with  this  grand  achievement.  At 
this  time  of  the  year  the  boating  season  was  over,  and  those 
whose  privilege  it  was  to  enjoy  these  excursions  made  up 
their  parties  and  journeyed  to  Cincinnati,  O.,  Cleveland,  O., 
or  Canada.  Cincinnati  being  the  nearest  point,  the  largest 


68  PUBLIC   CAREER    OF    W.    H.    GIBSON,    SR. 

gatherings  were  held  there.  Rooms  were  engaged  weeks  in 
advance  at  the  Hotel  Dumar,  the  finest  and  grandest  hotel 
established  and  conducted  by  colored  men  in  this  country  at 
that  time.  John  Whets  and  R.  H.  Gleaves  were  the  pro 
prietors. 

On  the  day  appointed  for  the  celebration  a  large  grove 
was  selected,  and  there  would  be  thousands  in  attendance. 
Speeches  were  made  by  such  orators  as  Messrs.  John  I. 
Gains,  Peter  H.  Clark,  Ford  Douglass,  W.  H.  Day,  Fred 
erick  Douglass,  and  others. 

Xenia,  O.,  was  also  noted  as  a  pleasure  resort  for  those 
parties.  About  three  miles  beyond  the  city,  on  the  grounds 
nearly  adjoining  Wilberforce  University,  was  another  hotel, 
kept  by  Mr.  Anderson  Lewis,  a  noted  steward  and  musician. 
Large  parties  and  picnics  were  given  there,  and  those  pres 
ent  indulged  in  buggy-riding  and  such  other  pleasures  as  are 
sought  at  watering-places.  It  was,  in  fact,  the  "  Saratoga  " 
for  our  pleasure-seeking  people.  The  springs  yielded  an 
abundance  of  fine  water,  containing  various  medicinal  prop 
erties.  The  beautiful  scenery  that  surrounded  the  locality 
was,  to  those  pleasure-seekers,  a  little  paradise.  Yet,  with 
all  this  pleasure,  there  was  something  that  was  not  in  har 
mony  with  its  close  proximity  to  Wilberforce  University. 
The  president,  Bishop  D.  A.  Payne,  and  the  faculty,  remon 
strated  against  the  balls  and  dances  and  seeming  imprudence 
of  the  visitors,  and  of  the  detrimental  influence  it  might  ex 
ercise  against  the  institution.  Time  and  patience  relieved 
them  of  their  forebodings,  as  Mr.  Lewis  closed  his  hotel  and 
pleasure-grounds,  and  now,  to  the  surprise  of  many  and  the 
delight  of  the  faculty  and  Christian  community,  Bishop  Arnet 
occupies  and  owns  the  premises.  The  writer  has  been  a 
visitor  under  each  proprietor,  and  knows  whereof  he  speaks. 


PUBLIC    CAREER    OF    W.    H.    GIBSON,   SR.  69 


EDUCATION. 

Amid  the  restrictions  that  surrounded  our  people  during 
the  forties  and  fifties,  there  was  a  thirst  for  light,  and  there 
seemed  to  be  a  glimmer  of  hope  pervading  certain  classes. 
The  free  men  and  women  associated  with  the  slaves  as  rela 
tives.  A  free  father  and  a  slave  mother,  or  vice  versa,  caused 
an  anxiety  to  be  free;  and  the  little  private  schools  among 
the  free,  though  only  by  sufferance,  and  often  by  stealth, 
caused  an  unrest  that  pervaded  many  communities.  At 
Lexington  and  Frankfort  in  1859,  through  the  solicitation  of 
friends  there,  we  ventured  to  open  a  branch  school.  At 
Lexington  we  taught  the  common  branches,  and  at  Frank 
fort  we  taught  a  music  class.  Our  school  at  Louisville  was  in 
charge  of  my  wife  and  Mr.  George  A.  Schafer.  Mrs.  Gib 
son  taught  needle-work  and  dress-making.  Samples  of  her 
work  can  be  seen  in  some  of  the  houses  of  the  oldest  citi 
zens.  Mr.  George  A.  Schafer  was  for  many  years  in  the 
postal  service — a  letter-carrier.  The  political  excitement  of 
those  days  caused  us  to  close  our  efforts  in  this  direction. 

An  educational  convention  was  called  in  the  summer  of 
1869.  The  friends  of  education,  by  delegations,  white  and 
colored,  took  a  very  active  part  in  the  deliberations.  The 
delegates  were  addressed  by  Prof.  Fairchild,  J.  G.  Fee,  Pres 
ident  of  Berea  College;  J.  M.  Langston,  Esq.,  Dr.  Martin 
R.  Delany,  Rev.  H.  J.  Young,  and  others.  At  the  conven 
tion  a  State  Board  of  Education  was  organized,  for  the  pur 
pose  of  forming  the  State  into  school  districts,  and  furnish 
ing  teachers,  under  the  supervision  of  the  Freedmen's  Bu 
reau.  The  following  officers  were  chosen:  W.  H.  Gibson, 
President;  Q.  B.  Jones,  Vice  President;  John  Morris,  Sec 
retary  and  Treasurer;  Isaiah  Mitchell,  Traveling  Agent  and 


70  PUBLIC   CAREER   OF    W.   H.   GIBSON,   SR. 

Organizer  of  County  and  District  Schools.  Many  schools 
were  organized  and  teachers  employed.  These  schools  con 
tinued  until  the  State  provided  for  the  education  of  colored 
children  under  the  law,  in  1870. 

Rev.  R.  G.  Mortimore  established  a  private  school  in 
1858,  at  Asbury  Chapel,  for  advanced  classes  in  algebra, 
geometry,  and  Latin.  A  class  of  young  men  from  my  school 
attended,  and  made  rapid  progress.  Prof.  Mortimore  was 
tendered  the  chair  of  mathematics  at  Wilberforce  University. 
He  accepted,  and  the  following  class  of  young  men  accom 
panied  him  there:  W.  P.  Annis,  W.  H.  Gibson,  Jr.,  Horace 
Talbot,  Henry  Pope,  Wm.  Robinson,  and  Chas.  Logan, 
they  being  the  first  from  our  city  to  matriculate  in  that  nota 
ble  institution. 

The  State  University,  located  on  Kentucky  Street,  was  or 
ganized  in  1879.  Prof.  W.  J.  Simmons,  the  learned  Baptist 
divine,  was  called  to  take  charge,  after  it  had  been  opened 
for  a  short  time.  It  has  done  much  for  the  educational  in 
terest  of  our  race  in  this  State  and  other  States.  Prof.  Sim 
mons  seemed  to  be  imbued  with  the  necessities  of  his  people, 
especially  in  the  Baptist  denomination.  An  educated  min 
istry  was  one  of  their  greatest  wants.  He  was  to  his  con 
nection  what  the  late  Bishop  D.  H.  Payne  was  as  an  educa 
tor  to  the  African  M.  E.  Church.  His  establishment  of  Wil 
berforce  University  has  given  it  prestige  throughout  the 
universe.  Prof.  Simmons  did  not  live  long  after  organizing 
this  work,  but  he  has  laid  a  foundation  for  future  usefulness 
which  that  denomination  has  long  since  realized.  The 
faculty  is  carefully  selected  from  the  various  institutions  of 
the  country.  The  commencement  exercises  are  good,  and 
are  always  attended  with  large  and  appreciative  audiences. 
Their  graduates  are  dispersed  throughout  the  State,  doing 
ood  work  in  the  educational  field. 


PUBLIC   CAREER   OF   W.    H.    GIBSON,   SR.  7 1 

YOUNG    MEN'S    CHRISTIAN    ASSOCIATION. 

The  Young  Men's  Christian  Association  was  organized 
through  the  efforts  of  Albert  Mack  and  Charles  Morris. 
They  were  influential  in  bringing  many  young  men  into  its 
folds,  and  the  organization  grew  rapidly.  Their  meetings 
were  held  in  the  churches,  alternately,  on  Sunday  afternoons. 
Their  weekly  and  monthly  meetings  were  held  in  Quinn 
Chapel  until  they  had  accumulated  sufficient  means  to  fit  up 
a  room,  which  they  did  in  a  short  time,  as  they  had  seem 
ingly  won  the  hearts  of  the  people.  They  held  public  meet 
ings  on  the  street  corners,  and  in  the  localities  of  the  slums 
of  the  city,  and  some  of  their  hearers  professed  a  hope  in 
Christ.  The  public  made  them  a  present  of  a  good  library. 
They  were  finally  imbued  with  a  spirit  to  build  a  hall,  Bro. 
Mack  acting  as  collecting  agent.  He  used  the  money  he 
collected  in  Louisville  in  paying  rents  until  the  treasury  was 
exhausted. 

The  following  prominent  young  men  of  the  city  were 
among  the  members :  Albert  White,  Robinson,  Chas.  Mor 
ris,  Warden  Duson,  Elder  Frank,  Bro.  Alexander,  W.  H. 
Gibson,  Sr. ,  and  others. 

Bro.  Mack  left  on  a  collecting  tour  for  a  hall  and  has 
never  returned.  A  number  of  newspaper  articles  have  ap 
peared  against  him,  disapproving  his  course. 

The  society  has  been  reorganized  on  a  firm  basis,  with 
excellent  officers,  and  holding  relation  with  the  State  and 
National  Association.  It  has  a  good  location  on  Walnut  and 
Tenth  streets.  Their  meetings  are  interesting.  They  have 
lectures  weekly  by  the  best  speakers  and  thinkers  of  our 
race,  and  much  good  has  resulted  from  this  organization. 


72  PUBLIC    CAREER    OF    W.    H.    GIBSON,   SR. 


PUBLIC    INSTITUTIONS    AMONG    THE    COLORED    CITIZENS    OF 
LOUISVILLE,    KY. 

The  Colored  Orphans'  Home,  situated  on  Eighteenth  and 
Dumesnil  streets,  was  organized  in  1877.  This  institution 
was  brought  about  through  the  efforts  of  two  of  our  oldest 
citizens,  Peter  Lewis  and  Shelby  Gillespie.  They  were  sex 
tons  in  the  Presbyterian  churches  of  Revs.  Dr.  Stewart  Rob 
inson  and  Dr.  Humphrey.  They  made  their  desires  known 
to  these  two  divines,  who  were,  in  their  lifetime,  friends  to 
the  colored  people.  After  they  had  matured  their  plans,  . 
they  called  together  a  number  of  colored  citizens  in  the  ves 
try  of  Dr.  Humphrey's  church,  where  they  had  his  counsel 
and  advice.  They  also  met  in  the  vestry  of  Dr.  Robinson's 
church ;  and  plans  were  devised  by  these  clergymen  and 
financial  aid  promised  when  the  society  was  organized.  At 
a  meeting  held  in  Dr.  Humphrey's  church  temporary  officers 
were  elected  and  a  committee  appointed  to  draft  a  constitu 
tion,  viz.:  W.  H.  Gibson  and  Joseph  Furgurson.  Mr.  Gib 
son  performed  the  duties  of  secretary  until  the  permanent 
officers  were  chosen.  Meetings  were  held  in  all  of  the  col 
ored  churches,  the  colored  clergy  assisting  in  the  work. 
Contributions,  from  time  to  time,  were  raised  by  them,  and 
the  benevolent  societies  subscribed  liberally  toward  its  suste 
nance.  Our  white  friends  gave  liberally,  and  donated  the 
grounds  and  building  for  the  Home,  holding  it  in  trust  until 
the  society  pays  the  purchase  price.  The  American  Mis 
sionary  Society  donated  a  third  of  the  sale  of  the  old  school 
building  toward  the  purchase  of  the  Home.  The  Orphans' 
Home  Society,  during  these  years,  has  been  managed  by  a 
board  of  officers  chosen  from  the  various  churches  and  socie 
ties.  The  president  has  generally  been  selected  from  some 


PUBLIC    CAREER    OF   W.   H.   GIBSON,   SR.  73 

of  our  white  friends,  and  the  vice  president  from  the  col 
ored  citizens.  Many  children  have  been  cared  for  during 
these  years  and  comfortable  homes  secured  among  responsi 
ble  families.  The  ladies  of  Louisville  have  taken  great 
pride  in  the  Home,  and  have  worked  incessantly  for  its  sup 
port  by  holding  dinners,  suppers,  festivals,  etc.,  and  every 
imaginable  means  adopted  that  would  bring  money  for  its 
support.  The  following  ladies  have  been  foremost  in  their 
efforts  to  sustain  the  Home  from  its  earliest  inception :  Mes- 
dames  Lucretia  Morris.  Isabella  Belle,  M.  J.  Gibson,  Fran 
ces  McCauley,  McKamy,  Worley,  Minnis,  Murphy,  Stewart, 
Birney,  Bullitt,  and  many  others.  The  teachers  of  the  pub 
lic  schools  have  also  rendered  efficient  service  by  collections 
from  their  pupils  and  from  public  dinners  and  suppers.  Mr. 
J.  C.  C.  McKinley  is  its  presiding  officer  at  the  present  time 
of  writing.  He  is  a  principal  in  one  of  our  public  schools. 

St.  James  Old  Folks'  Home  was  organized  by  a  number 
of  our  citizens  for  the  benefit  of  our  old  dependent  citizens. 
It  did  not  meet  with  the  success  it  merited.  The  officers 
made  a  contract  for  a  building  in  Portland,  made  a  payment 
on  the  property,  occupied  it  for  a  time,  but  failed  to  meet 
the  notes,  and  the  property  was  lost  to  them.  This  society 
has  been  reorganized  and  fallen  into  other  hands.  The 
officers  are  young  and  energetic,  have  purchased  property  on 
Greenwood  Avenue,  made  a  partial  payment,  and  the  ladies 
of  the  city  have  organized  clubs,  and  propose  to  complete 
the  payment  in  a  short  time.  They  raised  by  public  dona 
tions  on  Sunday,  February  28,  1897,  $578.20.  The  prop 
erty  cost  $2,750. 

The  Louisville  Colored  Cemetery  Company  was  organized 
in  1887  by  the  efforts  of  Bishop  W.  H.  Miles,  of  the  C.  M. 
E.  Church,  and  a  few  of  his  immediate  friends.  Several 


74  PUBLIC   CAREER   OF   W.   H.   GIBSON,   SR. 

meetings  were  called  at  the  Center-street  Church,  and  alter 
nated  at  several  other  churches,  in  order  to  bring  the  matter 
before  the  people,  showing  them  the  necessity  of  having  a 
cemetery  exclusively  their  own.  After  organizing  and  elect 
ing  officers,  a  committee  was  appointed  to  visit  the  legisla 
ture  and  obtain  a  charter,  and  it  was  granted.  Books  were 
opened  for  stockholders,  shares  $25  each.  Thirty-three 
acres  of  ground  were  selected  and  purchased  on  Goss  Avenue. 
The  company  has  been  well  patronized  by  the  citizens.  Lots 
have  been  purchased,  monuments  erected,  walks  and  plats 
beautifully  arranged,  and  it  has  been  paid  for  in  the  course 
of  eight  years,  and  is  .now  paying  a  dividend  to  the  stock 
holders.  The  following  are  the  officers :  A.  J.  Bibb,  Presi 
dent;  H.  C.  Weeden,  Secretary;  Dr.  Felix  Fowler,  Treas 
urer. 

THE    TREBLE    CLEF    MUSICAL    CLUB. 

This  musical  association  of  lady  artists  gave  an  interesting 
muiscale  at  the  Episcopal  Church  of  Our  Merciful  Saviour. 
It  was  something  new  in  musical  circles.  The  entire 
musical  clefs  were  performed  by  ladies,  as  follows:  First 
and  second  sopranos,  first  and  second  altos,  first  and  second 
contraltos.  Their  selections  consisted  of  numbers  from 
Lohengrin,  Chopin,  and  Schubert,  and  they  were  well  per 
formed  before  a  large  and  appreciative  audience.  This  club 
is  composed  of  the  best  female  musical  talent  of  this  city. 
The  following  ladies  are  its  officers :  Miss  Lucretia  M.  Gib 
son,  President;  Miss  Sophia  Johnson,  Secretary;  Miss  Sarah 
E.  Bell,  Treasurer;  Miss  Eliza  Davenport,  Pianist  and 
Chorister. 

THE    WRITER    SERVED    IN    THE    FOLLOWING    POSITIONS. 

In  1854  was  elected  delegate  to  the  National  Compact, 
Masonic  Grand  Lodge,  at  Cincinnati,  O. 


PUBLIC   CAREER   OF    W.    H.    GIBSON,   SR.  75 

In  1859  was  elected  Grand  Junior  Warden,  Grand  Lodge 
of  Ohio,  at  Xenia. 

In  January,  1869,  was  elected  by  the  colored  citizens  of 
Louisville  a  delegate  to  the  National  Convention,  at  Wash 
ington,  1).  C. 

Visited  the  Judiciary  Committee  of  Congress  with  colored 
delegation. 

Was  elected  delegate  to  the  Republican  State  Convention, 
at  Frankfort,  Ky. 

In  1870  first  colored  mail  agent  appointed  from  Kentucky. 
Plot  of  Ku-klux  to  assassinate  him. 

September  7,  1871,  appointed  on  secret  service  to  visit 
Frankfort  for  witnesses  in  the  Trumbo  murder  case  by 
United  States  Attorney. 

April,  1871,  elected  State  Grand  Master  of  the  United 
Brothers  of  Friendship,  and  served  five  years. 

May,  1872,  elected  delegate  to  the  General  Conference 
of  the  A.  M.  E.  Church,  at  Nashville,  Tenn. 

June,  1872,  elected  delegate  to  the  National  Republican 
Convention,  at  Philadelphia,  Pa.,  from  the  Fifth  District  of 
Kentucky. 

In  1872  visited  and  was  introduced  to  President  Grant  by 
Gen.  Benjamin  Bristow. 

In  1874  was  appointed  U.  S.  guager  under  President  U. 
S.  Grant's  administration. 

In  1875  first  National  Convention  United  Brothers  of 
Friendship  convened  in  Louisville,  Ky. 

In  1876  was  elected  National  Grand  Master  United  Broth 
ers  of  Friendship,  at  St.  Louis,  Mo.,  and  served  four  years. 

In  1878  was  elected  National  Grand  Commander  of 
Knights  of  Friendship  at  the  first  National  Grand  Lodge, 
held  in  Louisville,  Ky. ,  and  served  four  years. 


76  PUBLIC    CAREER    OF   W.    H.    GIBSON,   SR. 

In  1880  was  elected  Secretary  of  Consolidated  Lodge, 
Grand  United  Order  of  Odd  Fellows,  and  served  eight 
years. 

July,  1880,  received  first  and  highest  promotion  for  meri 
torious  service  at  the  National  Grand  Lodge,  held  at  Indian 
apolis,  Ind. — an  honorary  membership  for  life. 

In  1885  was  a  delegate  to  the  Natio-nal  Connectional  and 
Historical  Society,  at  Nashville,  Tenn. 

July,  1880,  appointed  Treasurer  of  the  Mutual  Aid  Asso 
ciation  United  Brothers  of  Friendship,  and  served  three 
years. 

July,  1882,  married  to  Miss  Jennie  Lewis,  of  Louisville, 
Ky. 

In  1883  was  elected  President  of  the  Mutual  Aid  Asso 
ciation,  and  served  three  years. 

In  1887  was  elected  Treasurer  of  the  Louisville  Colored 
Cemetery  Company. 

In  1896  was  appointed  National  Grand  Trustee,  Knights 
of  Friendship,  at  Grand  Session,  St.  Louis,  Mo. 

In  1897,  wrote  and  published  the  History  of  the  U.  B.  F. 
and  S.  M.  T. 

Served  for  several  years  as  trustee  of  Wilberforce  LTni- 
versity. 

DISTINGUISHED    SPEAKERS    WHO    HAVE    ADDRESSED    THE    COL 
ORED    CITIZENS    OF    LOUISVILLE. 

Hon.  Frederick  Douglass,  Hon.  Charles  Raymond,  Dr. 
Martin  R.  Delany,  Hon.  H.  C.  P'.  Pinchback,  Hon.  Alex. 
Barbour,  Hon.  J.  M.  Langston,  Hon.  O.  O.  Benjamin,  Hon. 
Booker  Washington. 


PUBLIC    CAREER    OF    W.   H.   GIBSON,   SR.  77 

A  GOSPEL  ODE. 

The  Lord  will  come  from  Heaven, 

Will  you  give  Him  your  heart  ? 
To  resurrect  His  people, 

Will  you  give  Him  your  heart  ? 
And  execute  God's  judgment, 

Will  you  give  Him  your  heart  ? 
We  don't  want  you  to  fall  by  the  way. 

He  will  come  with  a  mighty  shouting, 

Will  you  give  Him  your  heart  ? 
When  He  descends  from  Heaven, 

Will  you  give  Him  your  heart  ? 
And  the  voice  of  the  great  archangel, 

Will  you  give  Him  your  heart  ? 
We  don't  want  you  to  fall  by  the  way. 

[NOTE — This  song  was  written  on  the  cars  coming  from  Boston  to 
New  York,  over  the  Falls  River  Line,  by  Elder  F.  A.  Boyd,  the  first 
army  chaplain  of  the  Kentucky  Mulattoes.  Elder  Boyd  was  a  brother 
of  Marshall  and  Geo.  Taylor.  We  insert  these  lines  to  show  that  the 
three  brothers  were  inclined  to  literary  pursuits.  This  one  has  always 
been  of  an  eccentric  nature.  He  presented  me  with  this  composition.] 

It  may  not  be  out  of  place  for  me  to  close  this  history 
with  several  important  events  that  have  come  under  my 
notice  since  I  commenced  it,  and  to  contrast  them  with  the 
introduction  of  this  work,  for  the  reader  will  observe  that 
there  is  much  gloom  and  discouragement  in  the  early  pic 
ture  drawn  of  the  misery  and  distress  attending  the  race  in 
the  early  forties;  but  in  the  nineties,  a  half  century  later,  a 
complete  revolution  has  been  worked,  and  it  should  convince 
those  who  are  so  impatient  and  seemingly  discouraged,  that, 
looking  back  and  comparing  those  revolutionary  changes 
with  the  past,  "  God  has  led  us  on  a  way  that  we  knew  not." 

The  events  are  the  Educational  Convention  of  the  Minis 
ters  of  the  A.  M.  E.  Church,  the  State  Teachers'  Associa 
tion  of  Kentucky,  and  the  Negro  Day  at  the  Nashville, 
Term.,  Centennial. 


78  PUBLIC    CAREER    OF   W.    H.    GIBSON,   SR. 

THE    EDUCATIONAL    CONVENTION    OF    MINISTERS   COMPOSED   OF 
THE    KENTUCKY    AND    WEST    KENTUCKY    CONFERENCES. 

This  body  met  in  Asbury  Chapel,  June  i,  2,  and  3,  1897. 
I  attended  a  part  of  two  sessions.  The  convention  was  pre 
sided  over  by  that  eminent  divine,  Rt.  Rev.  Bishop  Salters. 
Papers  were  read  and  discussed  by  the  members,  the  sub 
jects  being  such  as  pertained  to  our  interest.  The  discus 
sion  threw  light  and  animation  into  the  participants  and  its 
hearers,  and  gave  us  ample  opportunity  to  retrospect  the 
past  and  compare  it  with  the  present. 

My  semi-centennial  year  would  seemingly  be  incomplete 
without  this  scene,  and  especially  as  it  occurred  in  the  old 
building  where  I  begun  my  public  career  fifty  years  ago. 
Then  it  was  chaotic  darkness,  so  to  speak.  We  were  feel 
ing  our  way,  aiming  for  a  higher  plane  of  civilization. 
Could  we  have  enjoyed  the  pleasure  and  companionship  of 
those  erudite  and  distinguished  scholars,  our  church  in  this 
city  and  State  would  be,  at  this  time,  a  leading  factor  in  the 
educational  work  of  the  State,  and  her  academies  and  col 
leges  would  have  been  disseminating  knowledge  to  the  masses 
instead  of  just  now  beginning  the  enterprise.  From  the  re 
ports,  however,  we  learn  that  Wayman  Institute  has  a  bright 
future,  and  may  yet  become  the  seat  of  learning  for  African 
Methodism  in  Kentucky. 

NEGRO  DAY  AT  THE  CENTENNIAL,  NASHVILLE  TENN. , 
JUNE  5,  1897. 

We  live  in  a  great  age,  it  may  be  truly  said  of  the  closing 
scenes  of  the  nineteenth  century.  One  hundred  years  ago,  in 
Tennessee,  the  negro  was  reckoned  but  a  degree  higher  than 
the  brute,  but  time  has  developed  his  superiority  above  the 
brute  creation.  Eighteen  hundred  and  ninety-seven  finds  the 


J.   W.  HILLMAN, 

Kentucky. 
P.  N.  G.  TREASURER. 


GEORGE    TAYLOR, 

P.   G.  M.   OF  MASONS. 


PUBLIC   CAREER   OF   W.    H.   GIBSON,   SR.  79 

negro  vicing  with  his  white  brother  in  art,  science,  and  lit 
erary  pursuits  in  the  "Temple  of  Fame."  The  Exposition 
exhibits  every  conceivable  skill  and  genius  of  the  Anglo- 
Saxon.  The  negro  of  thirty  years'  birth  climbs  the  ladder  of 
fame,  round  by  round,  until  he  is  finally  inspired  with  the 
idea  that  he  will  reach  the  summit. 

The  exhibit  in  the  Negro  Building  convinced  the  most 
skeptical  that  the  negro  was  not  only  thinking,  but  had  put 
his  thoughts  into  practice.  Nearly  every  profession  is  there 
represented,  and  in  a  manner  that  bespeaks  volumes  for  the 
race. 

Whatever  might  have  been  the  trouble  with  the  local 
committees  or  commissions,  the  parade  and  the  exhibits  at 
the  Negro  Building  were  a  success,  and  we  think  that  the  sen 
timent  of  every  visitor  will  agree  with  us.  We  are  opposed 
to  the  "  separate  coach,"  but  we  must  confess  that  we  favored 
the  separate  Negro  Building  at  this  Centennial,  as  the  exhib 
its,  of  which  we  are  so  proud,  would  have  lost  their  identity 
in  the  white  buildings  unless  labeled  "  negro,"  and  this  would 
have  been  objectionable.  There  have  been  so  many  great 
and  good  deeds  performed  by  the  negro  that  never  will  see 
the  light  of  history,  only  as  recorded  in  a  general  way  in  con 
nection  with  the  whites,  that  the  negroes  are  beginning  to 
write  their  own  histories,  so  that  their  deeds  and  accomplish 
ments  may  not  be  lost  to  the  future  generations  of  their  race. 
For  instance  :  I  have  mentioned  several  artists  in  this  book — 
musicians  whose  compositions  have  been  published  by  some 
of  the  leading  music  houses  in  America.  Their  songs 
were  sung  and  played  by  thousands,  and  yet  but  few  knew 
that  the  composers  were  negro  artists.  This  generation  is 
ignorant  of  the  fact  that  such  men  ever  lived.  "  Didst 
Thou  ever  Think  of  Me?"  a  song,  was  arranged  for  the 


8o  PUBLIC   CAREER   OF   W.    H.    GIBSON,   SR. 

guitar  by  Samuel  L.  White  for  the  music  house  of  George 
Willig,  Philadelphia,  Pa. ;  "The  Heart  That  Loves  Fondest 
of  Any  "  was  arranged  by  S.  L.  White  for  the  music  house 
of  W.  Peters  &  Son,  Cincinnati,  O.,  and  Peters  &  Webb, 
Louisville,  Ky. ;  "Falls  City  Polka  Quadrille"  was  com 
posed  by  George  Hamlet  for  the  music  houses  of  Peters  & 
Webb,  Louisville,  Ky.,  W.  C.  Peters  &  Son,  Cincinnati,  O., 
and  Balmer  &  Weber,  St.  Louis,  Mo.  These  negroes  com 
posed  for  these  houses  fifty  years  ago,  but  their  race 
was  concealed,  only  their  names  being  given,  for  it  would 
have  been  unpopular  at  that  day  and  time  to  present  sheet 
music  composed  by  negroes  to  the  public.  If  the  artist  be  a 
German,  a  Frenchman,  an  Italian,  or  an  American,  his 
nationality  appears  on  every  sheet ;  hence  our  views,  that 
whatever  the  negro  does  commendable,  preserve  his  identity, 
so  that  future  generations  may  know  that  you  had  been 
along  these  lines. 

The  U.  B.  F.  and  S.  M.  T.  Headquarters  of  Tennessee 
were  neatly  fitted  up  for  the  reception  of  its  visitors  from  the 
interior  and  sister  States.  At  night  a  meeting  was  called  at 
the  U.  B.  F.  Hall  by  Grand  Master  P.  F.  Hill  and  National 
Grand  Princess  Mrs.  Georgia  A.  Henderson.  Introductions 
and  speeches  were  made  by  local  members  and  visitors.  A 
resolution  was  passed  as  follows : 

WHEREAS,  The  call  of  the  National  Grand  Master,  Willis 
N.  Brent,  has  not  been  issued  for  the  meeting  of  the  Na 
tional  Grand  Lodge ;  and 

WHEREAS,  The  reduction  in  railroad  fares  to  the  Centen 
nial  from  all  quarters  of  the  United  States  to  this  point  is 
reduced  to  such  low  rates,  and  ample  time  will  be  given  for 
the  transaction  of  National  Grand  Lodge  business,  also  time 
to  witness  the  display  of  our  people  at  the  Centennial  Expo 
sition  after  the  business  of  the  National  Grand  Lodge  is 
completed;  and 


PUBLIC  CAREER    OF    W.   H.   GIBSON,   SR.  8l 

WHEREAS,  The  reduction  of  railroad  fares  will  save  to  our 
Order  and  delegates  several  thousands  of  dollars  should  the 
meeting  be  held  at  Nashville  (which  money  we  really  need) ; 
and 

WHEREAS,  The  time  is  so  very  short  for  us  to  make  suita 
ble  arrangements  or  rates  in  other  directions  of  the  country 
with  the  various  railroad  agents ;  and 

WHEREAS,  We  believe  it  would  be  advisable  to  petition 
the  National  Grand  Master,  Willis  N.  Brent,  to  consider  this 
matter,  and  ask  that  as  he  has  so  long  delayed  the  final  call 
to  the  lodges  and  temples  that  he,  by  the  advice  of  the  Ex 
ecutive  Committee,  change  the  place  of  meeting  from  Wash 
ington,  D.  C. ,  to  Nashville,  Tenn.,  as  we  deem  it  an  emer 
gent  case  for  their  consideration  and  the  financial  interest  of 
the  Order;  and 

WHEREAS,  It  is  the  opinion  of  the  Grand  Master  of  Ten 
nessee,  P.  F.  Hill,  the  National  Grand  Princess,  and  the 
Princesses,  Masters,  also  members  of  the  Order  in  Nashville, 
that  they  can  accommodate  the  National  Grand  Lodge  meet 
ing  as  cheaply  and  comfortably  as  can  be  afforded  in  Wash 
ington,  or  as  they  have  been  provided  for  on  former  occa 
sions. 

Resolved,  That  these  resolutions  be  forwarded  to  our  Most 
Worthy  National  Grand  Master,  Willis  N.  Brent,  immedi 
ately  ;  and  further 

Resolved,  That  they  be  drafted  by  Bros.  J.  Thomas  Tur 
ner,  Grand  Secretary  of  Tennessee,  and  E.  W.  Marshall, 
Grand  Secretary  of  Kentucky. 

In  this  connection  the  Grand  Master,  Willis  N.  Brent, 
issued  the  following  circular,  changing  place  and  date,  and 
designating  Nashville,  Tenn.,  as  the  place  of  meeting  of  the 
Grand  Lodge : 

Change  of  Place  and  Date — Extensive  correspondence  with 
members  of  the  Order  in  Washington,  and  well  informed 
members  elsewhere;  delay  in  determining  what  was  best 
for  the  general  interest  of  the  Order,  especially  the  great  ex- 


82  PUBLIC    CAREER   OF    W.   H.   GIBSON,   SR. 

pense  for  the  journey  and  high  price  of  living  there — have 
all  concurred  in  making  the  change  of  place  and  date  of 
meeting  necessary. 

Reduced  rates  on  all  railroads  to  Nashville  are  provided, 
and  we  are  assured  of  a  hearty  welcome  and  magnificent  en 
tertainment,  with  all  the  advantages  of  the  Centennial  Expo 
sition  when  we  get  there. 

You  are  hereby  officially  notified  that  the  ninth  session  of 
the  National  Grand  Lodge  and  fourth  of  National  Grand 
Temple,  will  be  held  in  the  city  of  Nashville,  State  of  Ten 
nessee,  beginning  at  10  o'clock  A.  M.,  Tuesday,  August  24, 
1897,  and  continuing  in  session  five  days. 

Yours  in  J.,  M.,  andT., 

WILLIS  N.   BRENT. 

National  Grand  Master. 

STATE  TEACHERS'  ASSOCIATION. 

This  body  of  educators  held  their  twentieth  anniversary 
July  ist  and  2d,  at  the  Central  High  School,  Ninth  and 
Magazine,  Louisville,  Ky.,  and  night  sessions  were  held  at 
Quinn  Chapel,  A.  M.  E.  Church.  The  meetings  were  pre 
sided  over  by  President  C.  H.  Parrish.  Prof.  J.  M.  Max 
well  delivered  the  welcome  address,  and  Prof.  C.  C.  Monroe, 
of  Owensboro,  made  a  fitting  response. 

The  following  papers  were  read:  " Tendency  of  Educa 
tional  System,"  by  Prof.  J.  B.  Winrow,  of  Bowling  Green, 
Ky. ;  "Elementary  Science,"  by  Prof.  W.  C.  Taylor,  of  Lex 
ington;  "Self  Culture,"  by  Rev.  C.  L.  Puree;  "Trustee 
System  and  Condition  of  our  Schools,"  by  Mrs.  L.  V.  Sneed. 

At  the  night  session  Rev.  Dr.  Tyree  invoked  the  divine 
blessing.  The  Treble  Clef  Club  entertained  with  a  chorus. 
President  Parrish  read  his  annual  address,  reviewing  the 
history  of  the  association,  and  Prof.  J.  H.  Jackson  "How 
to  Create  Educational  Enthusiasm." 


PUBLIC    CAREER    OF    W.    H.   GIBSON,   SR.  83 

At  the  close  a  reception  was  giveji  by  the  teachers  of 
Louisville  to  the  visiting  members. 

We  listened  attentively  to  the  reading  of  the  papers  and 
the  discussions  which  followed.  They  were  of  the  highest 
character,  and  carried  the  listener  to  the  highest  realm  of 
thought.  Twenty  years  of  application  in  this  association 
has  truly  developed  many  able  writers  and  thinkers  among 
our  teachers,  of  whom  the  friends  of  education  and  the  State 
officers  who  are  training  and  supporting  this  educational 
work  should  feel  complimented.  As  an  ex-teacher  of  the 
"old  school,"  my  mind  reverted  back  to  fifty  years  ago, 
when,  in  this  city,  four  men — R.  M.  Lane,  Rev.  Henry 
Adams,  Rev.  Peter  Booth,  and  myself — were  striving,  in  a 
modest  way,  to  teach  the  elementary  branches  of  an  English 
education  to  those  of  the  race  who  might  be  allowed  to  ma 
triculate.  The  three  first  mentioned  pioneers  have  passed 
away,  and  I  am  left,  by  the  providence  of  God,  to  witness 
some  of  the  wishes  and  desires  of  our  hearts — that  our  peo 
ple  might  be  saved  educationally,  and  at  the  same  time  be 
the  recipients  and  participants  in  the  redemption  of  others 
in  this  great  work. 

Fifty  years  ago,  in  the  four  private  schools  taught  by  these 
pioneers,  the  pupils  scarcely  numbered  two  hundred,  but  at 
the  expiration  of  a  half  century  we  have  thousands  in  at 
tendance  in  the  schools  of  this  city,  over  one  hundred  teach 
ers,  nine  buildings,  and  a  high  school,  turning  out  from 
eighteen  to  twenty  graduates  annually.  We  also  have  a  State 
Normal  School,  county  and  district  schools  all  over  the 
State,  denominational  colleges  and  academies,  and  industrial 
schools  for  boys  and  girls.  Teachers'  salaries  average  from 
$40  to  $125  per  month.  "  Praise  God  from  whom  all  bless 
ings  flow." 


84  PUBLIC   CAREER   OF    W.    H.   GIBSON,   SR. 

CONCLUSION. 

To  the  readers  of  my  semi-centennial  history  : 

In  this  narrative  I  have  not  endeavored  to  make  any 
literary  display,  but  to  relate  only  such  facts  as  actually  came 
under  my  notice,  and  such  as  I  participated  in  during  the 
dark  days  of  slavery  and  of  those  since  the  dawn  of  free 
dom  and  the  enfranchisement  of  our  race.  The  history  of 
our  race  is  just  being  given  to  the  rising  generation  by  their 
own  "kith  and  kin."  Heretofore,  sufferings  of  the  most 
excruciating  nature  have  been  concealed;  deeds  of  Christian 
love  and  forbearance  and  heroic  valor  have  been  a  sealed 
book  to  our  students.  Colored  writers  and  historians  are  now 
collecting  evidence  from  the  care-worn  veterans  of  our  race 
who  survive  the  vicissitudes  of  an  half  century.  Our  white 
historians  of  to-day  are  yet  collecting  the  past  deeds  of  their 
fathers  of  Revolutionary  fame ;  their  lineage  is  sought  after 
that  their  descendants  may  know  from  whose  loins  they 
sprung.  The  story  of  the  landing  of  the  Pilgrims  is  repeated 
every  day  in  some  school-room ;  the  crossing  of  the  Delaware 
is  a  story  that  never  grows  old;  and  the  cruelty  of  the 
Anderson  Military  Prison  in  the  South  is  rehearsed  at  the 
camp-fires.  Shall  we  do  less  ?  Is  this  repetition  the  open 
ing  of  old  sores,  and  causing  wounds  to  bleed  afresh  ?  No ; 
we  think  not ;  we  want  our  own  history ;  we  wish  to  tell  it 
in  our  own  way,  and  put  our  children  in  possession  of  deeds 
that  would  never  be  known  concerning  their  forefathers 
through  the  school  histories  of  our  day.  In  this  history  we 
give  you  the  dark  cloud  with  its  silver  lining — the  past  and 
the  present.  Compare  them  and  be  wise. 

With  this  apology,  I  close  the  fifty  years  history  of  my 
public  life.  Yours,  fraternally, 

W.  H.  GIBSON,  SR. 


INDEX 


HISTORY  OF  U.B.F.  AND  S.M.T. 


PREFACE 3-6 

CHAPTER  I — 

Biographical 1 1-14 

Charter  obtained 9 

Founders  of  the  Order 7 

Name 1 1 

Organization 7 

CHAPTER  II — 

Articles  of  Agreement  16 

Convention  for  the  formation  of  a  State  Grand  Lodge  ....  15—17 

Labor  after  organization  of  State  Grand  Lodge 17-18 

Quotations  from  Fourth  Annual  Report 18-20 

CHAPTER  III — 

First  National  Convention  U.  B.  F.  assembles  in   Louis 
ville,  Ky.,  July  20,  1875 20-23 

CHAPTER  IV — 

The  Missouri  Convention  of  1876,  pursuant  to  call  of  the 

National  Convention  of  1875 23~29 

CHAPTER  V — 

Quotations  from   Proceedings  of  Third  Annual  Session  at 

Lexington,   Ky 31 

Resolutions  sustaining  the  recommendation  of  the  Grand 

Lodge  of  Kentucky 30 


86  INDEX    TO    HISTORY    OF    U.   B.    F.   AND  S.   M.   T. 

CHAPTER  V — Continued.  PAGH. 

First  State  Grand  Lodge  in  Kentucky  after  organization  of 

National  Grand  Lodge  in  St.  Louis,  Mo 36 

Quotations  from  Proceedings  of  Fifth  Grand  Session  of 

Kentucky 32~36 

CHAPTER  VI — 

National  Grand  Master's  First  Report 36-46 

CHAPTER  VII— 

Second  Biennial  Session  of  the  National  Grand  Lodge. . . .  48-56 

CHAPTER  VIII— 

First  Convention  of  the  Temples  of  the  U.  B.  F 57-5$ 

Second  National  Convention  of  the  Sisters,  July  17,  1880, 

at  Indianapolis 60 

Special  Committee  meeting  in  Louisville  for  instruction  in 

the  Temple  Work 59-6o 

Temple  Work $6-57 

CHAPTER  IX — 

Insurance  or  Mutual  Aid  Department 60-62 

CHAPTER  X — 

Organization  of  Grand  and  Subordinate  Camps,  July  5,  1878.  62-65 

CHAPTER  XI — 

Grand  Masters  of  Kentucky 65-67 

Grand  Masters  of  other  States,  etc 68-73 

CHAPTER  XII — 

History  of  Past  Masters'  Council,   Royal  Household,  and 

Juvenile  Department 79 

Sketches  of  National  Grand  Masters 73~79 

CHAPTER  XIII— 

Biennial   Session   of  National  Grand  Lodge  held  at  Little 

Rock,  Ark.,  July  23,  1891 80-81 

National  Knight  Commanders 83 

Reception  of  William  Lloyd  Garrison  Camp,  at  Chicago, 

111.,  July,  1891 81-82 

Visits  of  Valiant  Knights ; 84-86 


INDEX    TO    HISTORY    OF    U.    B.    F.   AND   S.    M.   T.  87 

CHAPTER  XIV —  PAGB. 

Closing  remarks 114 

Good  and  Evil  tendencies  of  Societies 112-113 

Grand  Camp  Session  at  Little  Rock,  Ark.,  July  23,  1894.  .100-101 

Grand  Lodge  of  Kentucky 101-103 

Grand  Lodges  organized    1 10 

History  of  the  Temples  at  Chicago,  111 108-109 

Joint  Lodge  and  Temple  U.  B.  F 104-105 

List  of  Camps no-ill 

National  Grand  Camp  Officers   1 1  i-i  12 

National  Grand  Officers  elected  at  the  Biennial  and  Tri 
ennial  Sessions 109-1 10 

Orphan  and  Dependent  Home 103-104 

Reminiscences — Alabama 93~94 

Arkansas 9°-9i 

Illinois 94 

Indiana 95~96 

Louisiana 9l~93 

Ohio 96-99 

Tennessee 99-100 

Texas 86-90 

Widows   and   Orphans'    Home  —  Further   acquisition   of 

property 105-107 


INDEX  TO  HISTORICAL  SKETCH 

OF    THE 

PROGRESS  OF  THE  COLORED  RACE 

IN  LOUISVILLE,  KY. 


Advisory  School  Board  (colored) 24~25 

Artists,  colored,  in  music  and  photography 39-41 

Bloody  Monday,  August,  1855,  murdering  and  burning  of  the 

houses  of  Irish  citizens 37~38 

Churches — 

Baptist  Churches 17-19 

Center  Street  Church 14-16 

Christian  Church 20 

Colored  Roman  Catholic  Church 22 

Fourth  Street  Methodist — 

Sale  of  property  and  split  in  the  congregation 8-1 1 

Stirring  scenes  with  the  congregation  and  its  pastor. . .  5-8 

Jackson  Street  Church 17 

Leading  Churches  and  Pastors 22-23 

Presbyterian  Church 19-20 

Quinn  Chapel — 

History  of  the  mother  A.  M.  E.  Church 1 1-14 

St.  Mark's  Colored  Mission  Episcopal  Church 20-22 

Concluding  remarks 84 

Departed  for  Kansas 50 

Douglass,  Hon.  Frederick,  visits  Louisville 64-65 


INDEX    TO    HISTORICAL    SKETCH.  89 

PAGE. 

Education 69-70 

Educational  Convention  of  Ministers  composed  of  the  Kentucky 

and  West  Kentucky  Conferences 78 

Efficacy  of  prayer — a  minister  prayed  out  of  a  chain-gang  while 

on  the  road  to  the  South 36-37 

Fifteenth  Amendment  and  its  jubilee  celebration    62-64 

Fort  Leavenworth,  visit  to 5°~52 

Freedmen's  Bank   55 

Freemasonry 42~45 

Free-soil  and  Squatter  Sovereignty 4i~42 

Free-soil  Convention  at  Pittsburg,  Penn.,  in  1852,  a  visit  to  ...  32-34 

Fugitive  Slave  Law  of  1850 34~36 

Gospel  Ode 77 

Home  Guards,  cruelties  of  the 49~5O 

Introductory 3-5 

Mail  Agent  on  the  Knoxville  Branch  L.  &  N.,  appointed  to  the 

position 53-55 

Massachusetts  calling  for  colored  soldiers 47~49 

Musical  Societies,  etc. — 

Church  Choirs 60 

First  Musical  Festival  in  Louisville   57 

Madame  Selika  and  S.  W.  Williams 60-61 

Second  Musical  Festival  in  Louisville   57~6o 

The  Mozart  Society    55~56 

The  Treble  Clef  Musical  Club 74 

Negro  Day  at  the  Centennial,  Nashville,  Tenn.,  June  5,  1897. .  78-82 

Newspaper  enterprises 65-66 

Odd  Fellowship 45~46 

Patrolling,  system  of,  as  it  was  called  by  policemen 36 

Positions  of  honor  held  by  the  writer 74~76 

Prominent  Louisville  men  of  the  forties  and  fifties,  and  their 

business 25~3° 

Public  Institutions  among  the  colored  citizens  of  Louisville  . . .  72~74 

Return  to  Louisville 52 

Scenes  of  1861  in  Louisville,  Ky 46-47 

Schools  of  the  forties  and  fifties 38 


90  INDEX    TO    HISTORICAL    SKETCH. 

PAOB. 

Slave  auction  block,  as  seen  by  the  writer  for  the  first  time. ...  39 

Society  among  the  Free  Colored  People 30-32 

Speakers  of  note  who  have  addressed  the  colored  citizens  of 

Louisville 76 

State  Teachers'  Association 82-83 

Sunday  School  picnics  in  ante-bellum  days 66-68 

Sunday  School  Unions 24 

Sunday  School  Work 23~24 

United  States  Circuit  Court 53 

Young  Men's  Christian  Association 71 


ENDORSEMENTS. 


CINCINNATI,    O. 

Hon.   W.  H.  Gibson,  P.  N.  G.  M.  : 

I  am  proud  to  know  that  you  have  undertaken  so  great 
and  noble  a  work  for  the  Order,  as  it  fills  a  long  and  wanted 
anticipation,  and  I  know  that  you  are  the  suitable  one  for 
the  occasion.  I  can  safely  say  that  your  book  will  not  be 
burdensome  on  your  hands,  for  it  will  be  desired  in  the 
homes  of  every  U.  B.  F.  and  S.  M.  T. 

Yours  truly, 

W.   T.   LlNTHECGME, 

Knight  Recorder,  Belle  Camp. 

LOUISVILLE,    KY. 

We  feel  safe  in  recommending  the  History  of  the  United 
Brothers  of  Friendship  and  Sisters  of  the  Mysterious  Ten  to 
the  U.  B.  F.  and  S.  M.  T.  and  the  general  public.  It  is 
written  by  W.  H.  Gibson,  Sr.,  the  first  State  and  National 
Grand  Master  of  the  Order.  The  history  will  consist  of 
about  200  pages.  W.  A.  GAINS,  Grand  Master. 

E.  W.  MARSHALL,  Grand  Sec'y. 


COVINGTON,    KY. 

Wm.  H.  Gibson  : 

DEAR  SIR  AND  BROTHER — I  assure  you  that  I  appreciate 
your  request  very  highly,  and  truly  hope  that  the  undertak 
ing  will  be  a  success.  J.  W.  HILLMAN, 

Past  Grand  Treasurer, 


11  ENDORSEMENTS. 

GALVESTON,   TEX. 

W.  H.  Gibson: 

DEAR  SIR  AND  BROTHER  — Your  History  is  a  long-felt 

need,  and  I  am  sure  that  not  only  the  members,  but  the 

world,  will  be  proud  of  it.     The  fact  that  it  comes  from  your 

brain  and  pen  will  give  it  double  interest.     With  best  wishes, 

I  am,  in  J.,  M.,  T., 

CLARA  E.  SCULL, 
National  Grand  Secretary  National  Grand  Temple. 

AUSTIN,  TEX. 

W.  H.  Gibson  : 

MY  VERY  DEAR  SIR  AND  BROTHER — I  see,  through  the 
Gazette,  that  you  are  preparing  an  historical  work  of  the 
Order  of  United  Brothers  of  Friendship.  When  the  work  is 
out  of  press  I  will  be  more  than  glad  to  have  you  send  me  a 
•copy.  Anything  written  by  you  on  that  subject  must  neces 
sarily  be  good,  and  I  am  interested  in  all  such  publications. 
I  am  yours,  truly, 

MORGAN  T.  WHITE. 

FRANKFORT,   KY. 

W.  H.  Gibson,  P.  N.  G.  M. : 

DEAR  SIR  AND  BROTHER — Yours  received,  and  can  assure 
you  that  I  shall  be  delighted  to  handle  your  book  in  this 
city.  I  feel  that  our  interest  is  mutual  in  this  one  matter, 
the  History  of  our  Order.  Yours  in  J.,  M.,  T., 

J.  W.  WOOLFOLK, 
Past  Grand  Master. 

LEXINGTON,   KY. 

Bro.    W.  H.  Gibson  : 

DEAR  SIR — I  am  in  receipt  of  your  letter,  and  just  as 
soon  as  your  book  is  out  I  will  be  able  to  put  before  the  peo 
ple  of  Lexington  about  two  dozen  copies.  I  have  solicited 
nearly  that  number  already.  Respectfully, 

H.  A.  TANDY, 
Grand  Treasurer. 


ENDORSEMENTS.  Ill 

DAYTON,   O. 

DEAR  BROTHER — Yours  received.  I  have  so  often  heard 
of  you,  also  your  History  of  our  Order,  which  I  think  is  the 
very  thing  for  the  good  of  the  Order  in  this  and  other  States, 
for  it  is  little  known  in  my  State.  I  wish  you  great  success 
in  your  undertaking. 

I  am  yours,  respectfully,  in  J.,  M.,  T. , 

DURETTA  MOORE. 

BIRMINGHAM,   ALA. 

DEAR  SIR  AND  BROTHER — Yours  received.  I  think  the 
History  of  the  Order  of  U.  B.  F.  and  S.  M.  T.  is  a  good 
thing,  and  the  very  book  that  we  have  desired  for  years.  I 
shall  take  one  myself,  and  advise  all  of  our  worthy  members 
to  do  the  same.  Yours  in  J.,  M.,  T., 

H.  C.  MALONE, 
N.  D.  D.  G.  M. 

LEXINGTON,    KY. 

W.  H.  Gibson,  Esq.  : 

DEAR  SIR — I  understand  that  you  are  about  to  publish  a 
History  of  the  United  Brothers  of  Friendship.  That  such  a 
work  is  necessary  no  one  will  dare  dispute,  and  I  had  con 
templated  such  a  work ;  in  fact,  had  begun  it.  I  have  posi 
tively  done  more  for  the  Order,  in  a  general  way,  than  any 
five  men  within  the  past  ten  years.  I  suppose  you  will  not 
forget  to  mention  these  things,  because  they  are  a  part  of 
the  history.  I  am  yours  in  J.,  M.,  T. , 

R.  C.  O.  BENJAMIN. 

NASHVILLE,    TENN. 

Father  W.  H.  Gibson : 

DEAR  SIR  AND  BROTHER — Yours  received.     I  hope  you 
will  have  a  success  with  your  book  and  have  them  out  so 
that  we  can  have  some  on  exhibition  at  the  Centennial.    Let 
me  hear  from  you  at  your  earliest  convenience. 
Respectfully  yours, 

P.  F.  HILL,  Grand  Master. 


IV  ENDORSEMENTS. 

Dear  Bro.  Gibson : 

Yours  received.  I  think  it  grand  and  noble  in  you  to 
write  the  History  of  the  Order.  May  success  attend  you. 

GEORGIA  A.  HENDERSON, 

N.  G.  P.  S.  M.  T. 

CHICAGO,   ILL. 

W.  H.  Gibson  : 

DEAR  SIR  AND  BROTHER — Yours  received.  When  your 
History  of  the  Order  is  out,  please  send  copies  to  Mount 
Hope  Temple  No.  i,  S.  M.  T. 

Your  sister  in  the  Order, 

SALLIE  ANN  ADAMS. 

MEMPHIS,  TENN. 
Wm.  H.  Gibson  : 

DEAR  SIR  AND  BROTHER — Received  your  circular.  Will 
be  glad  to  receive  the  History  when  it  is  ready. 

W.  M.  LEWIS. 

INDIANAPOLIS,   IND. 

Dear  Father  Gibson  : 

I  like  your  idea  of  handing  down  to  those  who  come  after 
us  something  of  our  labor.  I  will  gladly  do  what  I  can  to 
place  the  work  in  the  hands  of  all  members  of  our  Order. 

C.  S.  PRITCHARD, 

Grand  Master. 

CAIRO,  ILL. 
W.  H.  Gibson: 

DEAR  SIR  AND  BROTHER — Glad  that  you  are  still  in  the 
work  of  our  grand  and  noble  Order.  I  think  you  are  the 
one,  and  the  only  one,  to  write  up  the  History  of  our  Order. 
My  best  wishes  for  your  success  in  the  work. 

ANNA  F.  MADISON, 

N.  v.  P. 


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14  DAY  USE 

RETURN  TO  DESK  FROM  WHICH  BORROWED 

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This  book  is  due  on  the  last  date  stamped  below,  or 

on  the  date  to  which  renewed. 
Renewed  books  are  subject  to  immediate  recall. 


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